Nairo Quintana’s boss at Movistar says getting the Colombian into the mountains on level time with Chris Froome is a win itself.

“If we make it to the Pyrénées on equal time as Froome, it’s a victory,” team manager Eusebio Unzué told Cycling Weekly. “So far, so good. The team is working well to keep Nairo out of trouble.”

Unzue says that despite incidents leaving the likes of Contador, Porte and Thomas already behind on time, Quintana is very relaxed at the race.

“I’ve never seen him so relaxed and calm,” Unzué continued. “It’s his experience. We have to remember this is only his third Tour, and he is only 26. His first two Tours have helped to manage these first nervous stages.”