Stage 18 victor Andy Schleck admitted his aggressive ride to the finish at Galibier was win or bust.
Speaking to ITV's Ned Boulting, the "proud" Leopard Trek rider said: "It could have gone both ways but it went good."
"It was a winning move to win the stage first of all," he added. "No guts, no glory so I went out there to fight."
And Schleck, who has now drawn to within 15 seconds of yellow jersey Thomas Voeckler, admits he will be a tough man to beat on Stage 19's climb to Alpe d'Huez.
"Not to sound arrogant but i'm one of the best climbers in the race," he said. "So if I go 100% in front they have to chase back time on me."
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