The heat indefinably played a major role in the last two stages to St Etienne and Chamrousse. Nauseas, stomach problems - the abrupt change in temperatures weighed on the riders conditions in the last two days.

"It was all the more complicated as we had a rather cool start to the Tour. The riders all suffered in St Etienne and yesterday in Chamrousse. I'm not sure what Navarro had, gastroenteritis or overheating. Same with Richie Porte, who was livid when he crossed the line.” said AG2R team manager Vincent Lavenu.

“And yet Team Sky had prepared especially for the heat which goes to show that there is a world between preparation and reality," said Lavenu to letour.fr.

"To fight against the heat, you must stay in the shade as long as possible. Drink a lot. Riders drank 20 bottles each yesterday, which amounts to ten litters. You above all must feel when you need to drink. Those who don't falter badly," he added.

Vincent Lavenu saw his won team leaders, Romain Bardet and Jean-Christophe Peraud complain about the heat.

"Everybody suffered. Apparently today it will be cooler," he added.