After a bad start to the race, Cofidis bounced back in the Tour de France when Luis Angel Mate fought for the win in stage 16 until the end. He ended the stage in 9th.

"It motivates me a lot to be in front and I look forward to the third week," he said. "The break was very strong and I was with them almost all the way, despite having spent half of the stage in chase mode.

"It took more than 70km to catch the front group. We were almost at a minute. It went down to 35 seconds but then it was suddenly 1.15. It was hard. Luckily we made it after the intermediate sprint.

"The group was very good and the break worked well. On the Col de Manse, Sagan made an acceleration and Riblon another. I was dropped and started to get back. Then Ruben Plaza attacked.

"No one wanted to bring Sagan to the finish. He was the fastest and he was also able to drop everyone on the descent.

"It's a shame because I suffered from cramps at the top of the climb but the stage was lost. I'm so happy for Ruben, who is a good friend and I congratulate him.

"I'm looking forward to the Alps. I will be able to do better better, and usually the third week is best suited me. I have a good condition. I feel very well and I hope to be back in front, joining more breaks and making war."