Alejandro, the fifth at the top of La Pierre Saint Martin

Alejandro, the fifth at the top of La Pierre Saint Martin

Almost on the podium

“Today Froome showed he is the boss. I was feeling well today and I achieved a good stage but we need to be realistic: today he was the best. The Tour is long and we will see if he maintains the same level”, said the Spaniard at the finish of the first mountain stage of the Tour, where he tooh the fifth place, 2’01” before winner and each tim more leader Chris Froome.

“The Tour is hard. The first nine stages were really difficult and today it was the same. It is also really hot on the roads. We have to go day by day, stay where we are and possibly improve our positions. ”, also told Alejandro after he attacked twice in the final climb. “Team Sky rhythm was high. I tried to attack so that some of its riders were dropped but nothing to do: all their riders were very well and it was really complicated.”

The Spanish champion who is now the fourth overall 4’09” behind Froome concluded explaining that “The Tour is for sure not finished yet. It is obviously very difficult but we know that Nairo is able of everything. Today Contador, Nibali, Purito, Van Garderen were dropped… Maybe another day it will be Froome’s turn… or ours. Everybody can have a bad day.”