In 2013, Chris Froome crushed the opposition in the Pyrenees but had a much harder time in the Alps. After he looked more vulnerable in the stage of Mende, people have started to question his ability to maintain his level for three weeks. However, the Brit is very optimsitic as he goes into the third week of the Tour de France.

“If I compare to how I was two years ago on the second rest day, I feel as if I am in a much stronger position,” he said at his rest day pres conference. “Two years ago I felt like I was hanging on coming into the final week whereas right now I feel happy with where I am at. I am not fading if you like.”

Froome also analyzed the four Alpine stages that will decide the race.

“We had a good taste of what could happen in the Dauphiné with Bardet going over the top there taking a minute on the descent and riding his way to the stage victory on that day,” he said about tomorrow's stage. “I think we can expect people to really take the race on. Yesterday we saw riders taking advantage of that descent.

“[Vincenzo] Nibali, maybe the guys from Movistar could be looking at that descent, maybe Alberto Contador. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s taken the race up on the descent. I think as a team we have to expect everything on that stage and be ready for it. We saw on the climbs that Quintana’s shown he has the legs to attack. The other guys who probably aren’t feeling quite as confident on the climbs will be trying elsewhere."

“Tomorrow we have the descent off Allos and the final ascent to Pra Loup. The Lacets [de Montvernier] stage, everyone’s seen that climb. It’s probably the most picturesque climb on this year’s Tour with so many switches in such a short distance. Then we have La Toussuire which can be extremely selective.

“Hopefully it’s going to go better than last time I rode up Alpe d’Huez."

Froome also commented on the publich questioning of his performances.

“Obviously we seem to cop a lot of speculation and a lot of doubts around our performances. Why are those same level of doubts not being cast upon similar performances from other GC contenders - why is it only us?" he asked

“This is the dream position to be four racing stages away from the Champs-Élysées with a decent advantage over most of my rivals. I am in yellow, I have a fantastic team around me. Nothing is going to distract from that.

“I think we are in a great place. Of course the few unfortunate incidents out on the road were a bit of a dampener on things but since the messages from Christian Prudhomme, other riders and people showing their support, there really has been a change in the support out on the road and it feels as if certainly the vast majority of the people out there are just there to support the race and all the riders."