It was another bad day for Cofidis at the Tour de France as they failed to place a rider in the early break. Luis Angel Mate was originally part of a big group but didn't make the final selection.

"Every day we try to go in the breakaways," he said. "Today I tried, especially since I knew the course. It was the right move, there were no less than 24 riders. Unfortunately, they chased because there were well-placed riders in the overall standings. When we were caught, I continued to fight. I went on the attack but I could not catch the leading group. We have to keep this mindset and not give up."