Saxo Bank team manager Bjarne Riis insists that considering Alberto Contador's knee injury, he is riding well - and dismisses suggestions Contador is thinking of abandoning the race.
"Under the circumstances we need to be happy," says Riis. "Considering his physical condition, his knee. When you crash like he did the first week, you don't feel 100 per cent comfortable. But for sure his biggest injury is his knee."
Meanwhile, Contador's team-mate Richie Porte has backed the three-time winner get right back into contention - and he believes it could all come down to the time trial on Stage 20 in Grenoble.
Porte tells Ned Boulting: "We've had some really bad luck ... The form's there, he's a true champion and true champions can bounce back."
Follow ITV Cycling on Twitter