Australia's Richie Porte has launched himself into second place overall on the Tour de France after finishing seventh in the 10th stage.
The 29-year-old Tasmanian, who took over as Team Sky leader after Britain's Chris Froome crashed out in the fifth stage, is second overall, 2 minutes 23 seconds behind winner Vincenzo Nibali.
After Tinkoff Saxo's Alberto Contador crashed earlier in the race, forcing him to withdraw from the Tour, Italian Nibali reclaimed the leader's yellow jersey with his second stage win.
Porte told ITV4 following the race that he was the only one to respond to Nibali's attack.
"If Vincenzo goes I guess you have to respond. He's got enough time already so I didn't really want him to get any more," he said.
"It's a shame to lose Alberto like that. I think it's definitely going to change the dynamics of the race.
"I think it probably would've been a harder finale had Saxo been there."
With regards to his own podium prospects, Porte said he was taking things day by day.
"I think we're in a pretty good position going into the first rest day."
Porte's performances over the last couple of days has instilled belief in his teammates.
He was fourth on Saturday's eighth stage, giving up just 4 seconds to Nibali and 7 seconds to Contador after the Spaniard's acceleration up the final climb.
"Richie looked strong. He was fighting for the wheel and was motivated," Welsh teammate Geraint Thomas said.
"All we said to him at the bottom was to get stuck in and go as deep as he could and see where he ended up.
"Obviously, being the leader in Team Sky brings with it a certain pressure, but we didn't put any on him within the team and we're happy to ride and get stuck in for him. Whatever will be will be."
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