Neo-pro Pierre-Roger Latour (Ag2r) was on par with Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana in queen stage of the Route du Sud. He finished third and took the best young rider's jersey.

"From the beginning, I felt I was in shape, even if it was difficult to gauge myself given the difficulties," he said. "It was a surprise to end up in front with riders like Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana. At first, I told myself that it was really going to be hell for me but soon I forgot about it.

"I managed to stay with them until the top of the Port de Bales. Contador made the descent a bloc and I quickly got dropped. I fought all the way to the line.

"I'm really happy to be there and to be on the provisional podium. The race is not over but I will do everything to keep this jersey. Of course this day gives me ideas for the future. I tell myself that it is possible to win in my first year in the pros. However, I need very favorable terms. I am not very fast in a sprint. 

"This is a very nice surprise to find Pierre at this level during his debut in the pro ranks," sports director Didier Jannel said. "What I remember of this day is that he was never worried by going up against big guns like Contador and Quintana. After the beautiful performance of Quentin Jauregui, Pierre showed that he is fit and that this generation of riders born between 1993 and 1994 is promising."