Chris Froome: “I’m more relaxed now”

“I don't think it was possible to go faster than Richie at the end. I didn't need to pull. Today was the only the first of a bloc of four difficult days in the mountains. Tomorrow it'll be more critical. If I was in a small team, I would have very different goals, maybe I'd be looking for a breakaway every day, I'd chase an opportunity to win a stage. The main difference between Team Sky and the other teams is that my eight team-mates are focused on one goal only, which is to help me win the Tour de France while other teams have two GC riders or a sprinter or someone to go for breakaways. Leading the Tour de France is about dealing with being in the yellow jersey and going to the press conference every day. At the beginning, you feel the pressure when you find yourself in this position. Now it's easier, I'm more relaxed.”