Nairo Quintana passed his first test in the mountains. The balance for the Colombian was good. He moved up in the general classification and, although he lost time with the leader Chris Froome, he looked stronger than his other rivals, Contador and Nibali.
Colombian gave his impressions after the stage, "the team has strengthened the race. I thought I would be fine on the climb, I think I climbed well, but Froome was stronger than me. Today was the day that allowed everyone to be placed and Froome was better than me. I feel good physically and mentally and it will improve as the days go by".
He added that he will continue "fighting for the yellow jersey because there is still a lot of Tour and a lot of mountains. It has been a tough day with a lot of heat and a strong pace, sometimes imposed by our team. In the end, Froome has been superior to me, stronger", he said.
Quintana stated that he is physically well and willing to make up time, as well as to continue fighting for the leadership. "Mentally, I am calm, I have good sensations and I think I still have chances".
Stage 11 will have 167 kilometers and high mountains. Three third-category climbs, including the one in Cauterets where the stage ends, one fourth-category climb, one first-category climb, and an "hors catégorie" climb, none other than the Tourmalet.