Team Ineos rider Geraint Thomas said on Monday's rest day that he is "itching to go" ahead of the final week of racing at the 2019 Tour de France.

Second-placed Thomas gained 27 seconds on yellow jersey holder Julian Alaphilippe on Sunday's stage 15, as a late attack saw him distance the Frenchman towards the Prat d'Albis summit finish.

Three big mountain days are still left to race before the Tour's traditional conclusion in Paris, and Thomas will be intent on making further inroads into Alaphilippe's lead, which stands at one minute and 35 seconds.

On Saturday, the Welshman had lost crucial time on the Col du Tourmalet, but his response on Sunday kept him in contention as he bids to retain the Tour de France title.

Tuesday's 177 kilometre relatively flat stage 16 in Nimes is likely to see a bunch sprint finish.

Nimes, France. 22nd July 2019.

1. 00:00 Various of Geraint Thomas entering news conference

2. 00:15 Geraint Thomas (left), Team Ineos general manager Dave Brailsford (centre) and Egan Bernal (right) in news conference

3. 00:23 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos rider:

(About taking time out of Julian Alaphilippe's lead on Sunday and looking ahead to the Alps)

"We stick together. I think obviously yesterday (Sunday), I said on the radio that I didn't feel great coming into the last climb. As it turns out, I did feel great at the top. But, yeah, I think the main thing is, going into the Alps now, I feel motivated to get there and really try and finish this Tour off well. It has been slightly up and down here, for sure, and race compared to last year. But the main thing for me is that I finished strongly yesterday (Sunday), and I am really just itching to go now. I much prefer the Alps - I have got a lot better memories from there for obvious reasons. Yeah, I'm just looking forward to it."

4. 01:16 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos rider:

(About managing his effort to remain in contention overall and the soaring temperatures in France this week)

"Yeah, yesterday (Sunday), like I say, I finished really strongly so, yeah, it's not an issue. If that is my bad day, to lose 30 seconds on the Tourmalet, is quite a good day really. And like Dave (Brailsford) said, you win a Grand Tour by being good all the way through, and managing your effort all the way through, not going into that deep, deep red zone often - save that for the final day or two. So I feel like I have managed that effort really well so far and I'm feeling good for it. Yeah I'm looking forward to the Alps now and, altitude-wise like in training in Tenerife, a drop off of watts is never really as much as most people so I'm relishing that opportunity and the heat, it is the same for everyone. I have ridden in that heat Down Under (Australia) numerous times over the years and got used it, so it is no problem."

5. 02:23 SOUNDBITE (English): Geraint Thomas, Team Ineos rider:

(About Team Ineos' performances in this year's Tour de France)

"Egan (Bernal) is fifth and I am second. I think we are still doing pretty well. Ok, yeah, we are not in the yellow and we are not riding on the front all day everyday. But like Dave (Brailsford) said, there is more than one way to win the Tour and this situation is completely different, and we don't have to pull when there are other teams that want to do it as well. So I think we are still in a super strong position the boys as well... Dylan (van Barrle) for instance, has been incredible, the way he has been going this year. I think he has been one of the standout guys in our team. I think everyone has ups and downs and I think it is how you deal with that. But, yeah, I am confident that we are all in great shape and a great position, and looking forward to some big Alpine climbs."

6. 03:22 SOUNDBITE (Spanish): Egan Bernal, Team Ineos rider:

(About Nairo Quintana telling his team he was having some difficulties during the Col du Tourmalet, but Alejandro Valverde said that he did not mention anything)

"I think it is easier when you have good communication with the rest of the team. That has happened before, and he (Nairo Quintana) has always has been very honest. As a fellow Colombian, he told me that he was not in the best condition. I have been ahead of Nairo in the race. I think it is good for the race and for the teams (to have that competition and communication between riders). In my case, if I am ahead (in the race) maybe other riders could have some doubts, because a rider from Ineos is ahead and they do not want to help me out. I think there is a lot of strategy around, but again, the leader in our team is Geraint (Thomas) and we will give our all for him."

Nairo Quintana insisted on Monday (10th July) that he did not regret taking part in the Giro d'Italia, even if it has had a negative impact on his Tour de France campaign.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

After a frantic start to the 2017 edition of the Tour de France, Monday was a welcome rest day for the riders.

Stage 9 on Sunday (9th July) was one of the most eventful in the illustrious history of the event, with Geraint Thomas and Richie Porte among the big names to suffer serious crashes - the latter breaking both his pelvis and collarbone in a horror collision.

Three-time former Champion Chris Froome is currently in possession of the leader's yellow jersey.

Despite enjoying their rest day in the Dordogne region, Movistar team leader Nairo Quintana and his teammates went out on a two-hour cycle ride in the morning in a bid to keep the momentum of the Tour going.

Quintana is currently eighth in this year's Tour - 2 minutes and 13 seconds behind Froome.

He suffered badly during the mountain stage on Sunday, and admitted that he doesn't feel he has the power in his legs that he would like.

"I felt good yesterday and I continue to do so today, but it's evident that I'm not finding the same watts on my legs as I expected to do before the race. We all were convinced about my chances to shine right from the start, but at the end, it's only about the 'here' and 'now', and I didn't respond well."

The Colombian climber came into the Tour with plenty of optimism having changed his preparations, but may have to admit that the gamble of competing in the Giro D'Italia - where he finished second - has yet to pay off.

Stage 10 of the Tour de France will take place on Tuesday (11th July) between Perigueux and Bergerac.

Perigueux, France. 10th July, 2017

1. 00:00 Exterior hotel where the Movistar team is staying

2. 00:04 Hotel window

3. 00:08 Movistar vehicles in front of hotel

4. 00:12 Movistar sticker on side of vehicle

5. 00:16 Movistar mechanics truck

6. 00:20 Mechanic inside truck working on bike

7. 00:24 Bikes outside truck

8. 00:28 Bike wheels

9. 00:32 Bike frames with Tour de France bib numbers

10. 00:37 Wheels outside truck

11. 00:41 Team Movistar leader Nairo Quintana being greeted by fans

12. 00:52 Nairo Quintana taking pictures with fans

13. 00:58 Quintana walking towards truck

14. 01:04 Quintana and Movistar colleagues talking

15. 01:08 SOUNDBITE: (English) Andres Montoya, Tour de France fan from Colombia:

"It's amazing, it's amazing! You see only (the riders) on the TV and maybe if you are near to the race, the racers pass so fast. And now, here in the hotel, you meet the people, take the picture and make videos for Instagram. I don't know, it's the best, the best opportunity."

16. 01:32 Movistar riders Jonathan Castroviejo and Jasha Sutterlin on their bikes

17. 01:37 SOUNDBITE: (English) Claudia Stinfil, Tour de France fan from Colombia:

"Oh my god! Nairo Quintana! For us, as Colombians, we're very proud of him because he is one of our heroes, like a sport hero, you know, and the best thing about that guy, it's his humanity and he is a very humble guy."

18. 01:54 Movistar's Jasha Sutterlin signing autographs on Tour de France yellow jersey

19. 02:03 Movistar riders leaving hotel on their bikes

20. 02:19 Quintana leaving hotel on his bike

21. 02:29 Quintana arriving at press conference venue

22. 02:37 Quintana and Movistar's General Manager Eusebio Unzue at press conference table

23. 02:43 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

"Well, for my part, here we are on the first rest day. It is clear that now it is more about will than might. But we are still up for the fight, though, and we'll try to keep improving. We have lost some time until yesterday, and to be honest, it was only due to lack of energy. However, there's still a long way to go in this Tour, and we're so determined to do great things in what's to come."

24. 03:21 Cutaway cameraman

25. 03:27 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

(Q: If you had not taken part in the Giro d'Italia, would you be better placed today?)

"No, I do not regret it, it is clear that it is a bet you make and something different to do, we have many things to learn and many things that remain to one of what has happened and how we have always done for to get better."

26. 03:59 Cutaway photographer

27. 04:03 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

"I felt good yesterday and I continue to do so today, but it's evident that I'm not finding the same watts on my legs as I expected to do before the race. We all were convinced about my chances to shine right from the start, but at the end, it's only about the 'here' and 'now', and I didn't respond well."

28. 04:32 Cutaway

29. 04:36 SOUNDBITE: (Spanish) Nairo Quintana, Team Movistar:

(Q: Can you still make the podium?)

"Well right now I dare not say anything, but if I can have a good day, anything could happen."

30. 04:53 Press conference breaks up

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 05:02

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SHOTLIST: Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. June 30th, 2016

1. 00:00 Various of Chris Froom during interview

2. 00:11 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"Very much so. Very much so. We love racing in France. We love the Tour de France. It's the most important race for us on our calendar. So yes, I'm really looking forward to the three weeks ahead."

3. 00:29 Cutaway

4. 00:36 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"I do think that it's a route that is very much a climbers route. I think it suits a pure climber. Even though we have two time trials, they are very hilly time trials. So the guys who climb well should go right in them. But yeah, I think we've got a fantastic team here. I've got a lot of confidence in my team-mates. I feel privileged to be in a position to be leading a line-up of guys like that. I mean, guys who can be leaders in their own right have come here to support me and I think it's something that gives me a lot of confidence coming into this year's Tour de France."

5. 01:24 Cutaway

6. 01:31 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"I think I am definitely in good shape. More or less, the same I have been in previous Tours de France. But I do believe this is going to be one of the toughest challenges for me of my career to date."

7. 01:53 Cutaway

8. 01:59 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky:

"My main rivals? I'd say primarily Nairo Quintana, given that both times I've won the Tour de France he was runner-up. He was the guy who finished second and pushed me all the way until Paris. But then again, you can't discount any of the big leaders who are here. Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru, Vincenzo Nibali, Tejay van Garderen, Richie Porte, Romain Bardet, Thibaut Pinot. There is a whole list of guys and that is the beautiful thing about the Tour de France. Once we start on Saturday, everyone starts as equals and we go from there."

9. 02:55 Cutaway

10. 03:01 SOUNDBITE: (English) Chris Froome, Team Sky (on crashes involving motorbikes on stages):

"I think it's something the sport really needs to keep working at. And it's something that is a work in progress. I think it's incredibly unfortunate accidents that have happened this year. But hopefully that is something that the sport is working at improving."

11. 03:27 Cutaway

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 03:34

STORYLINE:

Defending champion Chris Froome spoke on Thursday (30th June) ahead of this weekend's start of the 103rd edition of the Tour de France.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Chris Froome will enjoy the support of a Team Sky squad featuring strong climbers at this year's Tour de France.

Aiming to win cycling's showpiece race for a third time, Froome will be joined by Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Mikel Landa, Mikel Nieve, Wout Poels, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Geraint Thomas on the roads of France this summer.

Speaking in Normandy on Thursday, close to the start of Saturday's opening stage at Mont Saint-Michel, Froome said: "I feel privileged to be in a position to be leading a line-up of guys like that I mean, guys who can be leaders in their own right have come here to support me and I think it's something that gives me a lot of confidence coming into this year's Tour de France."

The 31-year-old Briton first won the Tour de France in 2013 and followed that up with a second win last year.

On both occasions he was pushed all the way to Paris by Colombian Nairo Quintana and Froome expects the Movistar rider to be a serious contender this year as well, among a string of others.

"My main rivals? I'd say primarily Nairo Quintana, given that both times I've won the Tour de France he was runner-up." Froome said. "But then again, you can't discount any of the big leaders who are here. Alberto Contador, Fabio Aru, Vincenzo Nibali, Tejay van Garderen, Richie Porte, Romain Bardet, Thibaut Pinot. There is a whole list of guys and that is the beautiful thing about the Tour de France. Once we start on Saturday, everyone starts as equals and we go from there."

The Tour starts on July 2nd and finishes on the Champs-Elysees in Paris three weeks later.

The 103rd Tour will visit three neighbouring countries - Spain, Andorra and Switzerland - and pass through 16 sites and stage cities unvisited in previous editions.

Security will be tight, with France in a state of emergency since the attacks in the capital in November which killed 130 people.

The Tour will be protected by an unprecedented force of 23,000 police officers, including SWAT-style intervention squads.

STORYLINE:

Simon Yates spoke of his joy and relief shortly after winning the 2018 La Vuelta crown on Sunday (16th September), his first Grand Tour success - it's the first time that British riders have won all three Grand Tour events in the same year.

SCRIPTING INFORMATION:

Simon Yates duly became the 2018 La Vuelta champion after Sunday's final stage, a procession between Alcorcon and Madrid.

The Mitchelton-Scott rider finished one minute and 46 seconds ahead of Quick-Step's Enric Mas, with Miguel Angel Lopez of Astana, two minutes and four seconds back in third.

Yates's win means that all three Grand Tours - Vuelta, Giro D'Italia and Tour de France - have been won by British riders this year, following Chris Froome's success in the Giro and Geraint Thomas' triumph in the Tour.

His victory in Spain is all the more sweet after he imploded when leading the Giro, tumbling in one stage from first to 17th in the General Classification.

The final Vuelta stage came down to a sprint in the heart of Madrid, won by Quick-Step's Elia Viviani ahead of world champion Peter Sagan, riding for Bora-Hansgrohe.

Madrid, Spain. 16th September, 2018.

1. 00:00 Various of Simon Yates celebrating his victory

2. 00:11 SOUNDBITE (English): Simon Yates (GB, Mitchelton–Scott) 2018 La Vuelta winner:

"A really unbelievable experience. I was even nervous today coming into the circuit, that something stupid could happen, but now I finally pulled it off. Unbelievable."

3. 00:24 SOUNDBITE (English): Elia Viviani (Italy, Quick-Step Floors) winner of the 21st Stage:

"We win in Madrid, so I'm proud of my team so they do an amazing job for 21 days for me and for Enric so we split the group really well all the three weeks and it's amazing to end the season like that."

4. 00:37 SOUNDBIITE (Spanish): Nairo Quintana, (Colombia, Movistar):

"It was a Vuelta of a high level. The truth is that the runs were very fast and the one who won were the strongest riders."

5. 00:50 Quintana on his bike after the end of the race

SOURCE: SNTV

DURATION: 00:53