Tour de France Stage 8: Vuillermoz takes the win atop Mur de Bretagne

Alexis Vuillermoz has won stage eight of the Tour de France, edging out Dan Martin in a tough uphill finish at Mur de Bretagne. Chris Froome retains the yellow jersey and also gains a few seconds on Vincenzo Nibali who was distanced on the final climb.

A fast approach to the final climb stretched out the peloton towards the end of the 181.5km stage from Rennes. Froome led the front group with around 800m to go, but AG2R-La Mondiale rider, Vuillermoz, was able to attack as the gradient lessened. Although Dan Martin (Cannondale-Garmin) set off in pursuit, he was unable to chase the Frenchman down and was forced to settle for second place.

Froome finished a few seconds later and while both Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana were able to keep pace with him, Vincenzo Nibali lost time after being distanced inside the final kilometre.

Peter Sagan finished fourth and in so doing claimed the green jersey from Andre Greipel.

Stage eight is a 27km team time trial from Vannes to Plumelec – a comparatively long distance for the discipline and also later in the race than is usually permitted, meaning several teams will suffer as a result of riders having already dropped out. This is compounded by an undulating profile and uphill finish which could see some significant time gaps between the overall contenders.

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Alexis Vuillermoz of AG2R-La Mondiale, winner of Stage 8

I had targeted Mur de Huy and Mûr de Bretagne. It was pretty good to be third in Huy. Today, I was prepared for losing and taking risks for winning. I decided to attack twice, firstly in the steepest part, secondly after I had recovered a bit and Chris Froome had accelerated.

I knew this kind of finish suited me as I am a punchy climber. I haven't been surprised to ride away but it's been hard to stay away. It's been a violent effort. In the first few minutes after I passed the line, I wasn't realising that I had made it.

Chris Froome is a great champion. He's a better rider than me. The beauty of our sport is that we can also win riding smartly. I was feeling great and I took my chance at the right time.

I have a big thought for my dad. He had a great passion for the Tour but he died three years ago. He would have been proud to see me winning a stage of the Tour de France. When I was a kid he took me and my cousins on the road sides to watch the race. My family has always been supportive.

Chris Froome of Team Sky, still in the race lead

Honestly, I didn't try to show any dominance in the last climb. I was up there to keep a good position and to keep an eye on everyone, in case someone would jump. It was a relatively short climb and I knew there wouldn't be big differences. I wanted to stay at the head of the affairs.

I was surprised to hear that Nibali lost contact, given that after the crosswinds it was easier to stay in the wheels with head wind. I knew the name of Alexis Vuillermoz but I don't know him personally. He has done a great stage. He attacked not only once but his second was a really strong one. He deserves his win. He's been impressive.

You definitely have to include Tejay van Garderen in the “Big Four”, which makes the “Big Five” now. He's done an impressive race until now. He's in a great condition. Time will tell how he'll go in the mountains, in the Pyrenees.

Nairo Quintana is a very strong climber. He has lost some time that he'll have to recover. Alberto Contador, we can never write him off. He never gives up. Vincenzo Nibali hasn't had the best start but we'll have to see him in the long climbs.

Tomorrow's team time trial will be very decisive for GC. It's a tricky TTT. The course is undulated and we need five riders for the final climb. I expect substantial time differences.