Sitting in sixth overall, Romain Bardet is pleased with his start to the Tour de France.

"After four Tour de France participations it has been my best first ten days ever," he said at the rest day press conference. "I managed to avoid trouble and I am feeling quite well physically. I am satisfied with my legs in the Pyrenees because it was not my favorite mountains. It is only the beginning but I am confident. 

"I am in constant progression and my Tour is in line with my early season. During the Dauphiné I was able to challenge Froome and the GC leaders. That is why this first week of competition is comforting." 
 
"Ventoux will be a key moment. It is a very long ascent with an intense heat. It will be the perfect timing for GC contenders to strike a decisive blow. I climbed it only once in 2013 and it's not my favorite climb. Until Chalet Reynard it is really hard but then, it is painful anyway. I trained on the Ventoux in June and it was the right thing to do to be prepared. 

"However, it will be the sequence of Ventoux and a time trial that will be decisive for the general classification. Finally, in the Alps we will attempt to ride with an attacking spirit." 
 

Bardet has not changed his goals yet.

"This question still remains unanswered because there are many GC contenders to beat. I have to stay wise and focus knowing that it will more clear later. For now, Froome has established himself as the boss of the peloton. Quintana is really quiet but, assuredly, he is able to attack during third week.

"We have a strong team and my teammates are truly united trying to assist me as far as they can in the mountains. I am convinced our efforts will be rewarded during third week. I know my team will be my main strength for the end of the Tour."