With no climbs on the menu, it was an easy task for Pierre Gouault (Auber 93) to defend the mountains jersey in stage of the Tour de l'Ain but tomorrow he faces a much bigger challenge when the race heads into the mountains.

"I spent a relatively quiet day," he told Directvelo. "As there was no KOMs, I was guaranteed to keep my polka-dot jerysey tonight. I will be careful to rest to be ready for tomorrow. There will be a lot of points in the battle for the best climber. It will not to be easy, but I will try to defend my tunic. There will undoubtedly be an early breakaway. And according to the circumstances and my sensations, we'll see if I can contest the stage. 

"It's only been two months since I returned to competition and I am progressing well. I hope to continue to improve my shape in order to regain my top level. The Tour de l'Ain was one of my goals before the start of the race. Then I will focus on the French U23 Championships. I will participate in the time trial and I will be aiming the victory on the road race, even though I know it will be very random."