Two days after losing Alberto Contador, Tinkoff-Saxo put their new aggressive tactics on show in stage 11 of the Tour de France. Nicolas Roche and Michael Rogers both went on the attack in the finale and Daniele Bennati sprinted to fourth in the end.

Tinkoff-Saxo showed aggressive riding today on the 11th stage sending out both Nicolas Roche and Michael Rogers in an effort to conquer the stage win. Rogers was the last rider that the peloton caught, since Frenchman fellow breakaway rider Tony Gallopin held the bunch behind him to take the stage win.
 
“Yeah, we were definitely active today. Nicolas was super strong and rode in the front of the breakaway for many kilometers before being caught on the final descent. I attacked together with a strong group but it was one of those unpredictable finales”, says Michael Rogers after the stage.
 
Today’s stage to Oyonnax was the first day after Alberto Contador’s crash and exit. It was announced that Tinkoff-Saxo would focus on stage wins and it didn’t take long before the riders started attacking.
 
“Bjarne and Oleg asked us to be aggressive today and to attack. So that’s what we did. We need to get into the breakaways to put pressure on the peloton. But we are strong and we can counter each other. I think we showed today that even though we aren’t fully over the shock of loosing Alberto, we are determined on creating big results here at the Tour”, adds Michael Rogers.

“Alberto's withdrawal was a big loss. A collective dream went away," Roche said. "But we're ready to turn out the window. Everyone in the team has the same mentality.

"Now we focus on stage victories. We have to attack and I'll continue doing so, but not every day because it would be stupid. We've drawn a plan with stages according to the characteristics of certain riders.

"Today's stage was difficult. I've been surprised by how steep some climbs were. It was supposed to be for me or for Michael Rogers. At the end of the day, Daniele Bennati is the highest ranked of us in fourth place. However, we remain in the fight even though our initial dream has vanished.”

“It’s been a turbulent few days for us but we believe that sunshine follows rain and we still have seven incredibly motivated and powerful riders and they each have their chance of chasing stage wins from now on.  We want to show that we’re still a part of the race and each morning, we’ll discuss the tactics and who has the greatest chance of success,” said DS, Philippe Mauduit after the stage and added: “Today, the guys took up the challenge and demonstrated that they are ready for change of tactics physically and mentally.”