Another tough mountain stage has seen the end of a three-day stint in the Pyrenees at Le Tour de France.

As predicted, it was again a popular choice to be in the day’s breakaway. Despite being unsettled at times, what started as a large group of 22 still produced the stage 12 winner in Joaquim Rodriguez (Team Katusha).

Not involved in the action at the front, ORICA-GreenEDGE settled in a rhythm with the main groups to complete the grueling 195km stage.

“Today was a punishing day on a number of levels,” sport director Matt White said. “There was a lot of climbing, after two previous big days of climbing, and also the temperature dropped from about 40degrees to 16degrees and rain.

“Those conditions are tough on any 200-odd kilometre climbing day but in our condition with six riders, one recovering from injury and another two from bugs, we stuck together for strength in numbers today.”