Nairo Quintana (Movistar) consolidated his lead in the young riders' competition after clocking the 6th fastest time of the day on a route with technical descents and intermittent that saw race leader Chris Froome (SKY) claiming his third success in the race.

In turn, Quintana defended himself in a difficult course and lost one minute on his main rivals for the podium of the race, Saxo-Tinkoff duo Alberto Contador and Roman Kreuziger.

"I did a fine TT, though it might not have been my best day when it comes to feelings,” Quintana said. “Since I did the recon this morning, I already knew the parcours suited me, and that's why I'm not fully satisfied with this result. It's true that the riders who beat me are all strong - also, I gained some time on the fight for [the] white [jersey], and we took some on other GC contenders. On the second climb I could pick up the pace and felt better, but it was raining a bit on the final descent and I had to grab the brakes more than usual, because I didn't want to take too many risks. I lost a bit of time there, but I hope to recover it in the upcoming stages.

Quintana also admitted that the series of tough and demanding stages are beginning to make themselves felt.

"The days are taking their toll on my recovery, but also make me more mature - you get to assume better these feelings of tiredness after three weeks of racing. Yesterday's [Tuesday’s] was a really nervous stage, fast from the start, but I could still keep the wheel of the top guys - that makes me feel more confident. I hope not to lose time in the three mountain stages remaining and stay in a good position overall as I am right now. I think tomorrow's stage is the one that favours me the most. It's probably the Queen stage in this year's Tour, and I'm confident the legs will respond as I want. I saw many people along the route with Colombian flags, lots of them coming here to support me - that makes me happy, mentally strong. I will give everything for this team and my country in these three days left to Paris."

Quintana currently lies 5th overall, trailing Froome by 6’58”.