Damage limitation for Thibaut Pinot in the Tour e France

The FDJ.fr rider began Wednesday over a minute clear of Jean-Christophe Peraud (Ag2r-La Mondiale) but saw his advantage cut to just eight seconds after a gruelling 124.5-kilometre stage through the mountains.

Having stayed with overall leader Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) throughout the ride from Saint-Gaudens to Saint-Lary Pla d'Adet, Peraud broke away from his rival in the closing five kilometres as the battle for a podium spot intensified.

Both men have worked incredibly hard over the past two days and Pinot believes his exertions on stage 16 may have given Peraud the momentum.

"I did not have as good legs as yesterday," said Pinot. "Maybe I just paid the price for my efforts yesterday.

"In any case, it was necessary to limit the damage. That's what we did and it was not too bad, thanks to (team-mate) Arnold Jeannesson. It was hard all day, and the final climb is really demanding.

"The podium remains a goal, but today I lost time to Peraud, who is very strong.

"For now, he is best placed."

Pinot's grip on the white jersey, given to the best performing young rider, remains at one minute 34 seconds.