Vincenzo Nibali showed impressive strength in the hectic moments of today's Tour de France stage when he moved to the front on his own at a time when BMC were riding hard in the crosswinds. Scared to lose time due to echelons, the Italian was pleased to have made it through the tricky stage without suffering any time losses.

As Vincenzo Nibali has proved the be the strongest rider in the mountains, many had suggested that today's windy stage to Nimes could be a good chance to attack the race leader. BMC tried to make a move with 60km to go but Nibali was unshakable and moved to the front with apparent ease.

Nibali admitted to having been scared that the peloton would split in the chaos.

"At some point, gusts of wind were blowing from the side," he said. "The road was curvy in a village. I was scared of possible echelons. I didn't want to be caught by surprise. That's when BMC accelerated but I was attentive and they stopped a few kilometers further. 

"From last year's Vuelta that I lost close to the end, I've maybe learnt how to handle a stage race as a team but it was at the different period of the season. I had already won the Giro and done a full season at a high level. On the other hand, I came to the Tour de France this year after improving my condition progressively in order to reach my first peak of the year precisely at the Tour de France.

"As an Italian, I'm proud to become part of the history of the Tour like prestigious champions in the past. Two years ago, I already felt so when I was battling against Wiggins and Froome. But I'm probably too focused on my race now to put my performances into perspective and realize what it means.

"Paolo Slongo is my trainer, Michele Pallini takes care of my legs. Nobody knows me better than them, and I have been with them for years. I'm proud to be Italian and I'm proud to be among such great champions.

"With Astana Pro Team and the riders around me here at the Tour de France we have prepared for this race all season, and it is because of them and the whole organization that we have the yellow jersey on the second rest day."