Jean-Christophe Péraud (AG2R La Mondiale) has announced that this will be his last Tour de France and that he plans to retire at the end of next season. At 38 years old and bruised after a crash, the French rider who was second last year, believes it is time to end his career that started in mountain biking.

Péraud confirmed his intention during the rest day of the Tour. 

"This is my last Tour de France. If it is up to me, it will be my last Tour de France," he repeated while looking at manager Vincent Lavenu, according to a report in L'Equipe.

This year he suffers after a bad crash but already before the tumble he had lost lots of time.

"I'm not at the expected level. The first week went well but since we've reached the mountains I have realized that I can not keep up with the best. The heat hampers me but it is also about the legs," he said.

For next year, he intends to do the Giro d'Italia and end with a good taste. "It's very clear in my mind. You want to end on a positive note," he said.