For the fourth time since the Grand Depart in Corsica Peter Sagan came close to winning his first stage at 100th Tour de France. In the hot and nervous sixth stage (Aix En Provence-Montpellier, 176 km), the Slovak champion of Cannondale Pro Cycling placed second (third time at this Tour) behind Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) and ahead of Kittel (Argos-Shimano) and Cavendish (Omega Pharma-Quick Step).

Even if the win has not arrived yet, Sagan could once again enjoy pulling on the green jersey. Yesterday he scored 48 points in the two sprints and now took his tally to 159 points while Greipel is on 130 and Cavendish on119.

"It was not an easy day" said Sagan "because the peloton was always packed and the fight for positions was hard. It was a windy day and crashes made the day more nervous. I was also touched and I had to change both wheels. At the end, everything was ok. I decided to follow Greipel's wheel because I knew he was in good shape. He did a great sprint, but the second place was good for the points. These finishes are suited for pure sprinters. I have a nice lead in the green jersey classification and it's a great situation for me. My condition is improving, my pains are [from his crash on stage 1] are receding and I plan to take my chances in the next stages."

"In these stages our tactics is not to have a train such as other sprinters. Our team was not built for this type of strategy but to support me during all the stages and to take me to the front positions in the finales. I don't need a train to sprint and for sure I can't complain about the help of my teammates, not at all," said Sagan.