Ag2r worked hard to set Romain Bardet up for a win in the mountains classification but it didn't work out for the Frenchman who ended the competition in third behind Chris Froome and Nairo Quintana.

"I felt a lot of fatigue," he said. "I think I've paid for my sleepless night two days ago. I did not sleep after my victory. I paid 48 hours later. I had nothing in my legs today. On the last climb, I saw my limits very soon.

"I took pleasure in the midst of a very strong team. We had a great time on the Croix-de-Fer, with Jean-Christophe (Péraud) who gave everything. I had chills. I was very encouraged by this jersey. I had a lot of dreams in that polka-dot jersey last night. I enjoyed it as much as I could. I have no regrets.

"My 9th place is decent even though I am far away from first place. If I had been told at the end of the first week that I would finish so high in the GC, with a stage win to top it, I would have signed on the dotted line. This remains an excellent outcome. Thibaut Pïnot's victory is great for French cycling. We stimulate each other. Congratulations.

"I have learned not to give up. We often have bad days in the Tour de France but the balance is made after 21 stages. You always have to keep the morale. We're all human."