Tour de France (Stage 11), Nairo Quintana 2nd
For this great stage in the Alps, Nairo Quintana took 2nd place at the top of the Col de Granon.
“I am happy, I have no better words tonight. We have been saying for the last few days that we have to take one step at a time and stay cautious while taking advantage of every opportunity that comes along. Today, I told myself that I had to try. I rode at my own pace and we gained a few seconds on our opponents in the general classification. Yes, we have the podium in our sights, we will continue to work and be patient. Tomorrow we will have another big day at the office”.
“I felt that it was not getting along well in the breakaway. If you don’t try anything, you get nothing. I preferred to try and not have any regrets. I tried to maintain the gap in the valley but when I arrived at the foot of the climb, I felt that it was going to be complicated. On the final climb, when I saw Nairo coming back, I got up and tried to give him a relay to help him. Unfortunately he was second at the top but I think it was a good day for team Arkéa-Samsic. It feels good to open the road to the Tour on such a beautiful stage and to be in the lead on the Galibier, something that is not given to everyone. I wanted this victory but I am a fighter until the end. I will try again until the end of the Tour.”
“It’s always frustrating to come so close, but you have to keep in mind Warren’s excellent stage at the front. It gives him and the team a great feeling. I think we will see him on the attack again in the next few days. We also remember Nairo’s good 5th place tonight in the general classification.”