Roosen, who is usually pulling the train for Dylan Groenewegen, survived until 30 kilometres remaining in the 181.5-kilometre stage. The team’s Paul Martens followed through with a 15th place finish. 

“I knew this was the stage that suited me the most of maybe all the stages,” Roosen explained. “I thought that maybe the breakaway was able to ride to the finish line. But it was one of the few stages where riders like Matthews could grab the win." 

“After I had troubles with my front derailleur, I started to doubt if we were able to make it. At that same moment, they went full-gas and it was very difficult to come back to the front. When I got dropped on that last climb, I knew it was over.” 

Roosen still believes that a breakaway has a chance to take the stage win in the Tour de France. 

“Especially later on in the Tour, the chances that a breakaway makes it increase. A few days back, Bodnar almost made it to the finish line in Pau." 

“If you save energy and start the final relatively fresh, it is possible to make it, but you got to be a rider with a large motor or you have to be in a group with riders who have large motors.” 

Martens also had plans for today’s hilly stage to Rodez. 

“There are not that many stages with chances for me,” Martens said. “These guys are all experts on this sort of terrain. I must have a very good day to be able to ride along with them. Today, I did not have that special day." 

“In the sprint train and in the mountains, I have a role as helper. Today, I could go for my own chances. I am disappointed that I did not get everything out of it." 

“Normally I can get myself in a good position, but I was not able to do that today. Then you have no energy left to get past other riders.”