In the aftermath of a stage from which there was "nothing to report" as described by FDJ manager Marc Madiot - no rider of the FDJ team was part of the breakaway of 24 riders - the rest day was good for the French team.

Thibaut Pinot and his teammated rode a bit in the the morning before resting. They obviously focus on the next four days, four stages in the Alps that Thibaut Pinot wants to use to win a stage.

"On Tuesday morning I did ​​two hours," he said. "I had a look at Col d'Allos. I was there in May but I wanted to see the descent. It is better than in May but it's still very dangerous. Furthermore, they announce thunderstorms for tomorrow. You can'r make mistakes there. If you crash, you're in the ravine. There are small stone walls but they are not going to stop you. It's really very technical "

Despite there precautions, Pinot approaches the final part of the Tour with a lot of desire and sets his goal.

"Physically, I feel better. My feelings depend much on the heat and I watch the weather a lot. Tomorrow, with thunderstorms, it will be a little cooler so hopefully it will be better for me. Now I am far away in GC, I'm not going to defend 18th. Four stages remain and that means 4 chances. I did not win in Mende, so I'm still at zero. I want to win one. I start every day to be in the battle.

"All the next stages suit me but of course the Alpe is a special dream. It is mythical. We all know that this will be the last effort before Paris, I will give everything there. It's 13km with a crowd that is better than it is at a football stadium. The road opens before us and we do not see the slope. We can't see the turns as we are guided by the crowd. It is unique. It's not the hardest climb in France, far from it, but it has a name. To be on the list would be good..."