Chris Froome (Sky) sent an early message to his rivals with an attack in yesterday's Tour de France stage in Ajaccio, Corsica.
"No message intended," Froome said, "but if they want to take something from it, then it's up to them."
Froome warmed down on his trainer with the sea and the rest of France at his back. Tonight, the race travels to Nice, the mainland, for the remainder of the Grand Tour. On the tricky Corsican roads, however, Froome left his mark.
Sky put Froome at the front of the small climbs through the Island's inland, including up Côte du Salario. Over the top, with just 12km to race, Froome shot free.
"It was just as much to stay out of trouble, that descent was quiet steep and gnarly," Froome continued.
"I thought it won't be a bad thing to be in the front of the bunch going down there, especially if anything were to happen, such as crashes or anything. It'd just be a safe place to be."
Team-mate Richie Porte told the Sydney Morning Herald that the team previewed that final climb after they won the Critérium International in March. Froome knew what to expect.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"And who knows," added Froome, "what happens when you put other teams on the back foot."
Rival Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff) already crashed and lost time, though re-awarded, in the first stage on Saturday. Froome knows anything can happen.
"I'm very pleased, especially after [stage one] and a few injuries," Froome said. "Guys like Vasil Kiryienka did a fantastic job coming into the final and Richie on the last climb... he's in great condition at the moment."
The races faces another technical day today, from Ajaccio to Calvi, 145.5 kilometres.
Tour de France 2013: Related links
Tour stage two photo gallery
Millar denied yellow as Bakelants takes spoils (Stage two report)
Tour de France 2013: Who will win?
Tour de France 2013: The Big Preview
Tour de France 2013: Cycling Weekly's coverage index
Read Cycling Weekly magazine on the day of release wherever you are in the world with our iPad and iPhone edition - International digital edition, UK digital edition. And if you like us, rate us!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
VanMoof e-bikes back on sale in UK with promise of 'more reliable' models
Amateur cyclist breaks Strava KOMs on Mortirolo and Stelvio, makes plea for pro contract
