Blel Kadri grabbed the best climber’s jersey after the 7th stage of the Tour de France from Montpellier to Albi yesterday.

The rider from the AG2R came close to wearing the famous polka dot jersey at the end of the 2nd stage and he was determined to get it yesterday. He tried his luck in the early kilometres with Jens Voigt (RadioShack-Leopard). They opened a gap of several minutes ahead of a bunch led by the Cannondale team working in the interests of Peter Sagan. Finally, Blel was caught by the bunch but he earned enough point on the first two climbs to permit him to drape himself in the best climber's jersey. He was particularly happy to get this jersey in Albi, a city where he was a licence-holder before turning professional.

After he crossed the finish line Kadri described the strategy he applied to acquire the KOM jersey: “Today the strategy was to be present in breakaways. It was important for me to take my chance because I knew that I had a chance to get this polka dot jersey. I’m happy to wear it now because I was really disappointed not to obtain it after the 2nd stage in Corsica, when I was tied on points with Pierre Rolland. This jersey, I didn’t get it alone. Romain (Bardet) did a great job on the 2nd category climb. He was 3rd at the top and this is what allows me to get the jersey one point ahead Pierre Rolland. Besides, it's really great to be on the podium in front of the public, especially in Albi, where people know me. I try to enjoy this special moment. Being at the start of the first mountain stage with this jersey on my shoulders, in the Pyrenees, it will be a great moment. The team’s goal is still the overall standings with Jean-Christophe Péraud. We have started this Tour de France well and I think that tomorrow there will be a rider of the AG2R at the the front and Jean-Christophe will be present in last kilometres!”