Until Thursday Cannondale’s Tour de France strategy had been focused exclusively on winning and subsequently maintaining the green jersey for Peter Sagan but in the dreaded stage to L’Alpe d’Huez Moreno Moser surfaced after two and a half weeks of anonymity to finish 3rd on the day, 1’27” down on Christophe Riblon (AG2R).

“Today was the first day since the start in which I felt really good,” Moser told Italian reporters at the finish according to Tuttobiciweb.it. “In the morning, it didn’t seem like the perfect day to join a breakaway because we expected a big fight amongst the GC riders. Then, when the first riders escaped from the peloton, I decided to follow my instinct and try. I’m pleased with the result and for my performance.”

On the descent from Sarenne both Tejay van Garderen (BMC Racing Team) and Christophe Riblon (AG2R) had their share of problems and Moser was able to take advantage and move to the front. However, when the trio negotiated the L’Alpe d’Huez for the second time, Moser decided to reach the summit rather than try to keep up with the Frenchman and the American.

“When van Garderen accelerated I knew he was stronger than me as a climber so I decided to proceed at my own pace,” Moser added. “I think I raced with intelligence. Following him and Riblon would have been too hard for me. The L’Alpe d’Huez was really an amazing show, something that I’ll remember for my entire career.

Looking ahead to yet another demanding mountain stage on Friday, Moser said he didn’t believe he would be able to deliver a repeat performance as he would probably have to pay for his efforts.

“Tomorrow I’ll race in the grupetto because for sure I’ll pay for today’s efforts, but I have no regrets.”

Moreno Moser currently lies 96th, 2.15’32” behind Chris Froome (Sky).