Having suffered from bronchitis over the last few days, Rui Costa had his worst day yet in the Tour de France when he lost 4.22 to race leader Vincenzo Nibali in yesterday's stage. Having been on the verge of abandoning, the world champion fought his way to the finish and promises to continue his fight.

Rui Costa went into this year's Tour de France with great ambitions but illness has set him back in his quest to finish in the top 10. The world champion has been suffering from bronchitis and claims only to be at 70% of his capabilities.

Having limited his losses in Chamrousse, Costa had a bad day on the road to Risoul as he lost 4.22 to race leader Vincenzo Nibali and slipped to 13th in the overall standings.

"Today I had a tough day, the more complicated in this year's Tour de France," he said. "When you're struggling so much, giving up would be the easiest solution, but I do not give up. I fought to finish the stage in an honorable way. With a course so hard and with the aftermath of my physical problems, I could not do better.

"I thank the team and the teammates who have supported me and encouraged. For them, I want to find a good day before the end of the Tour."

For Lampre-Merida, it was a disastrous day as Chris Horner dropped off already on the Col d'Izoard and lost a massive 13.15 to Nibali. Hence, the Vuelta champion is now only 22nd in the overall standings.

To make things even worse, Lampre-Merida lost Rafael Valls who abandoned after a few kilometres due to tendonitis. The only highligt was the great performance by Jose Serpa who animated the stage by joining the early breakaway.