The summit finish on Mont Ventoux couldn't be a goal for Peter Sagan, but the points at the intermediate sprint before the climb had caught the attention of the green jersey.

So, the Slovak champion of Cannondale Pro Cycling decided to race the 15 stage Sunday in the breakaway group with nine other riders. The mission to win the sprint and to take an additional 20 points was completed, but at the finish Sagan was not satisfied at all.

"I took the points I wanted, and I'm happy, but I thought the peloton wouldn't chase us so strongly" said Sagan. "I hoped to arrive at the foot of Mont Ventoux with enough time to have a chance to finish the stage in top 15 and thus take more points. We were a well equipped group but some teams were not in the breakaway and didn't give us room. The final climb? Really hard, I'm happy to have the opportunity to rest and recover tomorrow [Monday]. The third week will be really hard."

Just before he commenced the ascent up the Giant of the Provence, Sagan treated the spectators to a little trademark showmanship, his famous wheelie. "I always said that cycling is about passion and fun, no matter if you practice or watch it. While I was waiting for the group to be swallowed up by the peloton, people incited and waved their hands to me: I wanted to dedicate the wheelie to them to thank them for their support."

With six stages remaining in the Tour, Sagan enjoys a 99 points lead over Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) in the green jersey classification.