Sitting in 6th overall, Romain Bardet took stock of the situation on the second rest day of the Tour de France.

"We learned this morning that AG2R La Mondial has extended its commitment toour team until 2020. This is a great opportunity. No team can announce the extension of the current contract two years before the end of a term This allows everyone to work in serenity," he said.

"Concerning the Tour de France, I am very satisfied with the second weekend. My position is very good, I am close to the podium and although I am not far behind, everything remains open. I am ready for the Alps. I gained experience and have the serenity that emanates from my three Tours de France. 

"I have been less into the unknown and I waste less energy in key moments . I am delighted to have passed this mental milestone but everything remains to be done. The goal is to be as high as possible. I want to do better than in the past. I do not want to rider haphazardly. Behind me, there are offensive riders. 

"I am in a position to follow them. This will be an elimination race, I do not think everyone can keep this pace in the mountain stages. We must be strong psychologically. There may be a window and on certain stage, there may be deviations. We can expect differences. 

"Finhaut is a very difficult climb, perhaps the hardest in the Tour de France. It's a nice climb for climbers. The day after a rest day cane be difficult but it is sometimes difficult to attack in this Tour de France. I trust that with the accumulated fatigue, the top 10 will be less close. As Paris is approaching, my ambitions are affirmed. The Alps well suit us. They are the roads of the Dauphiné, I am aware of the challenge ahead."