Robert Gesink impressed during the tenth stage of the Tour de France today. An aggressive racing style gave the Dutch leader of Team LottoNL-Jumbo a fourth place on the first climbing day. Thanks to his performance on the Col de Soudet, Gesink moved up to eighth overall.

Chris Froome won the 167-kilometre stage that led the bunch from Tarbes to La Pierre-Saint-Martin. The Brit of Team Sky strengthened his lead in the general classification with his victory. He has 4 minutes and 35 minutes on Gesink.

“I’m exhausted, but happy,” Gesink said after attacking early on the final climb. “I saw people getting dropped but felt good myself and decided to be crazy and give it a go. We didn’t discuss anything, but I knew that when the big men began accelerating, they would go too fast for me. I anticipated and it worked out well today.”

Gesink admitted that he thought about winning the stage.

“Yes, stupid actually. I thought about it for a moment, but looking back, I should have done that. I don’t quite realise what has happened. Today, I had a super day, I felt strong. I’m happy. I wonder what’s in store for me tomorrow.”

Merijn Zeeman reacted emotionally to Gesink’s stunning fourth place.

“Things didn’t always go as planned for us this year and Robert has had his share of setbacks as well. It is fantastic what he did today. I’m happy for him. I’m touched now and at a loss for words. This is wonderful to experience. We have to go a long way, though. We’re just getting started now because today was the first mountain stage."

Laurens ten Dam placed 22nd on the Col de Soudet in the same time as Vincenzo Nibali, the winner of last year’s Tour, despite his heavy crash in the first week.

“I’m not unhappy today. I was just about to ride to Robert to tell him I was still there for him when he decided to attack. With eight kilometres to the finish, I exploded, but Robert did a great job. As a team we’re going to work hard for him and together we will make a strong plan.”

Tom Leezer crashed during the stage. The Dutchman suffered a bruised nose and a flesh wound on his right forearm that needed stitches.