Thibaut Pinot fought for victory at the Tour de Romandie in the final time trial won by Tony Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) but his fourth place was enough to reach to the objective he had set earlier in the week: the top 5. It was all topped with the victory in the queen stage.

"He did not have great legs," sports director Yvon Madiot said at the end of the time trial "Nevertheless he finished in the top 20. He confirmed his good condition that he has had since the beginning of the week in this event which is close to his heart but is also spells the end of his first block which started in the Etoile de Bessèges in early February.

"Generally Thibaut is strong in these hilly stages and recovers well but today that was not the case. He started the stage with physical and moral fatigue. He will take 10 days off. Tomorrow morning he will be at home for good party and that's what he needs to recharge completely. And he has the satisfaction of having achieved great results. He is not on the podium of the Tour de Romandie but we must remember what was said in the beginning of the event: A top 10 would be nice, a top 5 would be the culmination of a big week. He finished fourth but with a stage win and what matters is to have raised his arms."

Pinot will resume training during the recon of the stages of the first week of the Tour de France with more confidence.

"The whole team has gained confidence and it's also a great satisfaction to see the involvement of the team members, including Steve Morabito who did a great ride by taking 10th."