Thibaut Pinot is more known for his excellent climbing skills than his abilities in the time trials and this has again been put on show in the Bayern Rundfahrt. In the stage 4 race against the clock, the Frenchman dropped from second to fifth in the overall standings.

Thibaut Pinot has often seen his overall aspirations in stage races getting crushed by a poor performance in the time trials. This year, however, he has shown great signs of improvement as he has delivered outstanding performances in the Vuelta al Pais Vasco and the Tour de Romandie.

Yesterday he had the chance to confirm his progress when he headed into the Bayern Rundfahrt as second in the overall standings. However, the flat course didn't suit the Frenchman and a 24th place saw him drop to fifth in GC.

"It was really an affair for the specialists," FDJ sports director Yvon Madoor said. "There were long flat stretches and false flats. Logically, Geraint Thomas won. Thibaut started fast, faster than Jeremy Roy, but he faded and was fatigued at the end. He ws a little disappointed but it is a sign that he has some power. He is in a phase of preparation but will still get a good result in the overall standings. Now he is fifth."