Already the first of the four stages in the Alps over 161 kilometers from Digne-les-Bains to Pra Loup was highly competitive.

At high speeds and again extreme temperatures many attacks happened right at the beginning of the stage. After the first 60 kilometers had been raced, several riders managed to separate from the group around the yellow jersey, including winner Simon Geschke (Giant -Alpecin) who successfully launched his attack after the intermediate sprint and secured a small lead in the finish over the pursuing Andrew Talansky (Garmin Cannondale) and Rigoberto Uran (Team Quick Step). At the top of the overall standings Christopher Froome (Sky) is followed by Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and his teammate Alejandro Valverde.

"It was an extremely competitive stage start. One attack was followed by another for 60 kilometers and our riders have given everything. They were in many groups, none of which could really escape. Ultimately, Jose [Mendes] moved in a promising group, but was dropped with some other riders again. Emanuel [Buchman] tried but had two punctures on the penultimate climb which cost him a lot of time and energy. At the same time Jan [Barta] also took his opportunity to catch up with the breakaway, but remained unsuccessful. After all, he did ride a strong race even without a good result. All riders have given everything today and that was important.", says Enrico Poitschke after the race.