Sylvain Chavanel was again on the attack in the final mountain stage of the Tour de France but as expected the big climbs proved to be a bit too tough for him. Now he sets his sights on the only time trial of the race.

The last day in the Pyrenees for the 101st Tour de France resulted in another yellow jersey for Vincenzo Nibali (Astana), who grabbed his fourth stage solo at the top of Hautacam.  In spite of losing Heinrich Haussler after he suffered through a bout of digestive problems, IAM Cycling still showed itself well at the front of the race.  

Sylvain Chavanel and Marcel Wyss worked at the pointy end of the race when they joined the day’s main break, accompanied by a large contingent of strong riders.  Chavanel, who reconfirmed his strength in time trials by winning the French championships shortly before the Tour, took a stab at leading the stage when he attacked his companions on the brutal Tourmalet climb.  Unfortunately, he was caught and then distanced by Kadri and Nieve.
 
When asked to discuss his day, Sylvain Chavanel talked about his motivations for being in the break in the first place, and what his next target will be. 

“A day in the front is always a good day.  Marcel Wyss and I gave our absolute best.  After a certain point, in order to race among the best, you have to be a real climber, which I am not. 

"I wanted to ride up the Tourmalet with the yellow jersey group and then pace myself up the Hautacam with a strong cadence.  I am happy to be finished with the high mountains today. 

"Paris is fast approaching and my next goal is clear.  I am really motivated to achieve something in the only Tour de France time trial on Saturday.”  
 
Kjell Carlström, one of the directeurs sportifs of the Swiss team along with Eddy Seigneur, recognized the hard work of his riders on the day. 

“I am very pleased that we had two riders in the breakaway.  Sylvain attacked on the Tourmalet to try and take the lead at the head of affairs, but the competition level was very high.  Marcel Wyss struggled in the first steep sections, but he found a good rhythm and reeled in the guys who had dropped him initially.”