As his country’s time trial champion, Jonathan Castroviejo (Movistar) is someone to watch in tomorrow’s time trial from Avranches to Mont-Saint-Michel. Although he suffered some injuries in a fall three days ago, the Spaniard feels ready to perform.

“I crashed along with Nairo [Quintana] and suffered a hard blow on my chest against a banner,” Castroviejo recalls his crash. “I thought it wasn't serious, but it’s hurting more and more every day, so we think I may have broken one of my ribs. We didn't do an X-ray yet because I stand the pain well on the bike, but if the injury continues to disturb me, I'll do some checks to know exactly what I have, not least so that I don’t worry about nothing.”

“When you're riding close to the limit the pain is softer, mainly because the legs hurt more. These nervous stages on rough roads are even harder than the mountains. Apart from that, I’m in good form and progressing well.”

Despite his injuries, the time trial specialist wants to do well tomorrow: “Tomorrow's stage has marked down as a goal of mine since the very beginning, but a tailwind may favour heavier riders. I hope to perform well, along the lines of the Dauphiné ITT. I'd like to be top five, but we have to wait and see as the start times might become decisive if the wind varies.”

Asked about the likely stage winner, Castroviejo had no doubt: “Tony Martin is the big favourite. You could argue that Froome is also a favourite due to his form level, but such a flat course, with tail winds, is ideal for Martin.”