Vlasov looks to recover before eyeing Alpine stages - "Still had some pain in the back"

Aleksandr Vlasov entered the Tour de France as a podium contender but has seen a hit to his ambitions after a crash in stage six. Although the BORA - hansgrohe managed to limit the losses in Longwy, the next day saw the consequences of the crash.

Vlasov lost 1:39 minutes to Tadej Pogacar at Planche des Belles Filles and quoted back pain from the incident the day before. Although not deadly, the time lost was a tough hit for the Russian, who now sees his team having stage wins as the main ambition. However in the finale to Lausanne he finished sixth and had better feedback at the end of the day.

“I felt already a lot better than yesterday, but still had some pain in the back. I still need some time to recover before we can make plans for the Alps stages," the 26-year old said in a post-race interview.

“I think [Sunday] is all about hanging on and avoiding losing more time. Then we got a rest day which we need to take advantage from," he concluded. Today will be an important day for the GC as Vlasov looks to conserve his 12th place, and will be hoping the rest day can see him return to his best level ahead of the two decisive Alpine stages into Col du Granon and Alpe d'Huez.