Thibaut Pinot continued his steady rise through the ranks in the Tour de France when he moved into fourth after today's first big stage in the Alps. However, the Frenchman regretted Alejandro Valverde's tactical game as the Spaniard seemed to be more concerned by gaining time on Pinot than getting back to Vincenzo Nibali.

Thibaut Pinot again underlined his status as one of the best climbers in this year's Tour de France when he climbed with Alejandro Valverde in today's first Alpine stage. The Frenchman crossed the line in 5th to move into fourth in the overall standings, just 16 seconds off the podium.

The cooperation between Pinot and Valverde was clearly not great as the Spaniard clearly refused to contribute to the pace-setting before launching his own attack. Pinot regretted the Movistar leader's tactics and felt that he had been more concerned by gaining time on the FDJ rider than chasing race leader Vincenzo Nibali.

"I rode a good stage but I didn't take enough time off the rest," he said. "We didn't get on very well with Valverde, it's a shame. He kept in my wheel, he said he was full gas and he attacked me. It was his tactics. He wanted to take time off me.

"We needed to attack today because tomorrow Risoul is easier and the gaps will not be as important. I must now fight for the top 5. We'll see after the Alps for a podium.

"I wanted to go for the stage win. I had good legs and I wanted to show that I'm here. I attacked, then Valverde did and I found myself with him and Nibali who is well above the rest. When the yellow jersey took a few seconds, I did not get any help from Valverde. I think he wanted me to gain time on me.

"It was a good start but I hope that  I can do it again. Risoul is less suitable because it is more exposed and the wind always plays a role. There will be a turn with headwind and then one with tailwind. If my legs are good, I'll maybe try again although I think a breakaway will stay away. 

"It's true that I suffer much in the heat but I must say a big thanks to my teammates who constantly brought me bottles and ice. Without them, I would have taken a big blow in the heat like many others.

"It does not bother me too much not to wear the white jersey yet. If I take it in the Périgueux time trial, it will suit me very well. The ceremony takes time off my recovery."

"Nibalis is in top flight;" FDJ manager Marc Madiot said. "Behind him, three or four riders are at the same level for the podium. Then another wave can fight for the top 10. Some riders are still in contention but today, it was Porte who went out of the window. Every day brings its bad news. We'll have to see who will miss out on the days to come. Hopefully it will not be us. 

"There's no revenge feeling. There are years when things go right and other when they go wrong. Thats' the law of sport. Cycling is made of good and bad times. Last year the Tour was tough for Thibaut but he recovered well in the Vuelta. He worked hard in the winter. 

"He rode a great last climb. He had the legs to do it because he attacked early, too early maybe. But if everybody keeps patient, nothing will ever happen. Valverde rode cunningly, he pretended he was dead and then shot back. Vice is part of the game.

"One hour at the podium everyday takes a lot of energy and everything counts, everything adds up. Not to have the white jersey tonight is not a disappointment. It's better to have it in Paris and to save strength before.

"Today is a great satisfaction for the team but  we do not get carried away. There are still dangerous riders like van Garderen."