With no big ambitions for the time trial, FDJ manager Marc Madiot used yesterday to look ahead to the final two weeks of the Vuelta a Espana. As Thibaut Pinot has recovered from his illness, he is optimistic on behalf of his French climber.

FDJ went into the Vuelta a Espana with dual plans. Nacer Bouhanni and Thibaut Pinot were set to target stage wins and Kenny Elissonde would focus on the GC.

The team is left with mixed emotions. By taking two stage wins, Bouhanni has lived up to expectations but nothing has gone right for Elissonde.

The tiny Frenchman usually suffers in cold condition and so the weather change has done only harmed his chances. In stage 9 he finished in the gruppetto and the Frenchman has now changed his focus from the GC to stage wins.

The team had no big ambitions for yesterday's time trial where Anthony Roux and Elissonde took it easy to recover from health issues. Johan Le Bon was the only rider to go full gas and he came away with 35th on a course that didn't suit him.

Manager Marc Madiot is now looking ahead to the final two mountainous weeks where he hopes that Pinot will shine. The Frenchman has recovered from his illness and is ready to strike.

"My riders are going well despite the heat and the illness and crashes that have plagued some of them," he said. "It think they have the means to improve the balance sheet. Thibaut seems to be in a good mood. He must try to join a breakaway and do a a great third week."