Vincenzo Nibali was never going to just defend his yellow jersey in the Pyrenees.

After success in the Vosges and the Alps, the Shark was hungry for more and the Italian champion proved he is in peerless form with another stunning attack.

His show of strength on stage 17 had set the tone, and Nibali bettered his third place with a stunning ride on the Hautacam.

The Astana man stands to become the first Tour de France champion since Eddy Merckx to win four stages on his way to the title.

Recount how he sealed victory number four in the full-width photo gallery, courtesy of UCI WorldTour photographer Stefano Sirotti, below.