Having won the two last stages to Bagneres-de-Luchon, Thomas Voeckler had ticked today's stage as a big goal and found himself in a great positioned with teammate Cyril Gautier in the finale. In the end, they failed to benefit from their strength in numbers and were both left hugely disappointed with the outcome.

Winner of the last two Tour stages held in Bagneres-de-Luchon, Thomas Voeckler (EUC) came close to the hat-trick today. But the Frenchman had to be content with second place behind Michael Rogers.

"It's extremely disappointing," he said. "Some might be satisfied with second place but it's not the case for me. I reached the top in second position with Serpa and Rogers. We worked together well and then they attacked me in turn.

"Then Cyril (Gautier) came back and went in the descent. When Rogers countered, he didn't have the strength to take the wheel. It was really close. To outnumber the rest in a break can be a handicap in a downhill finale like this.

"If Cyril had been able to follow Rogers, he would have done it. But he's as disappointed as I am. There were two of us at the front, we have to consider this as a failure. Since the start of the Tour, I didn't make any feat. I was not far today."   

Gautier was awarded to most agressive rider award but that was little consolation for him.

“It's a pity to do so much work at the front and not being rewarded by a stage victory," he said. "This is my fifth Tour de France and I've always been on the attack as often as I could. I ticked this stage. Thomas [Voeckler] did too. Until 10km to go, it was all perfect for us but Rogers dropped me off. I haven't managed to take his wheel. Disappointment prevails.”