The FDJ team reached the first rest day of the Giro with pleasure, with the feeling of a job well done. Sports Director Martial Gayant talked of his group on Sunday evening and it is for him one of his best experiences in a Grand Tour although he has experienced many great moments with the team in the Giro.

Again, stage 9 started at high speed. Arnaud Courteille and Francis Mourey were part in a first breakaway of nine riders. The peloton had split into several groups and Kenny Elissonde finally made it into a breakaway of 11 riders, which made it to the finish. Italian veteran Paolo Tiralongo (Astana) took the opportunity to win and Elissonde who was eighth at 23 seconds, could be satisfied with his day.

"It feels good for him and for us," ensures Gayant. "The level of the team is improving every day since we started with a 10th place in the TTT. We have a leader, Alexandre Géniez who will fight a very good GC in Milan. The group works well together. I can say it's nine riders who work for the same goal.

"Again Aru, Porte and Contador attacked in the last climb and just behind Geniez was in the right group. At the top, Anthony Roux was just 15 seconds behind and he immediately managed to get back on the descent to support his leader. This attitude is the same for all riders every day."

The rest day will do a world of good and Gayant describes the program. "We will meet for lunch and we will all sleep a little. And then tomorrow night, we will celebrate Kevin Reza's birthday."