The Colombian Movistar rider placed third on the stage, 1min 01sec behind stage winner and yellow jersey wearer Chris Froome and his Sky team-mate Richie Porte. While this improved Quintana's position on the general classification to third and consolidated his hold on the white jersey, he still remains 3min 09sec in arrears to Froome.
Quintana suggested that Froome is a class above not just him but also every other contender at this year's Tour.
"Froome's superiority is implacable," said Quintana. "He's stronger than all of us."
Quintana admitted he suffered in the heat of the final climb.
"The last climb was hard with a hell of a heat," he said. "I'll have to see how my legs and my body will recover from that. I want to keep my position [third overall] and try and build a strategy to make up for the time lost."
Quintana added that he would continue to push for the overall victory.
"My chances to take the yellow jersey are reduced a bit but I'll fight till the end. Two years ago we've seen that Froome was less strong at the end. We have to see if he's less inspired one day.
"He's human and vulnerable, like everyone. My dream of yellow isn't over yet."
