Bauke Mollema is ready for some exciting days in the Tour de France after a solid first week.

"I know I'm good on the climbs, but it's always exciting to see where you stand compared to your competitors," the Trek Factory Racing rider told NOS.

Mollema would actually have preferred to skip the rest day.

"I would have preferred that. Such a rest day takes you a little out of your rhythm. I try to get through the day by sleeping, riding my bike and reading. I also get massage and I visit the osteopath."

The 28-year-old Dutchman is in a decent position. He is sixteenth in the GC, 2:56 behind yellow jersey holderChris Froome. 

"I'm came through the first week in a good position. I have not suffered any major damage and was just involved in one crash. A small one."

Starting tomorrow, it will be interesting for Mollema. The first mountain stage from Tarbes to La Pierre-Saint-Martin is on the menu an Wednesday's  and Thursday's stages end uphill too. Will Mollema go on the attack?

"I don't expect that. There is only one climb. It is just about riding up as fast as possible and see how far you get. The next few days will perhaps be more tactical. I've already seen the three mountain stages. It is be very tough."