Going into stage 12 of the Tour de France, Trek sports director Alain Gallopin analyzed the situation in an interview with Letour.com.

"Last year, Bauke [Mollema] was very strong at the beginning of the Tour but he blew a bit towards the end," he said. "This year, we have wanted to save him for the right time so he comes into form a bit later. He's improving. If he goes well today, we should see him doing well in the Alps. The goal for him is the top 7 or 8. We must be realistic. One year ago, he was seventh before the closing time trial and he finished tenth overall. This year, there isn't any time trial but there are three or four more favorites. 

"A stage to Plateau de Beille is always a decisive one. It shapes the hierarchy. The scenario should be similar to La Pierre-Saint-Martin. But the Alps are harder and I believe Nairo Quintana can turn things around.

"Tony [Gallopin, his nephew] doesn't surprise me, I know him well. Last year he got the yellow jersey and won a stage. He dreamt of doing it again but this Tour wasn't suitable for that and he lost too much time in the first time trial. Tony is an all rounder. I think he's just undergoing a test now, without putting pressure on himself or being pressured by his team."