Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC 5 live sports extra

It is incredible for Adam Yates to be second in the general classification, he is the team leader for Orica-BikeExchange but they are certainly not putting any pressure on him to go all the way and fight for the yellow jersey. It's a little bit too early for him, and they have looked after young riders over the years. They have a good prospect for the future and they don't want to burn him out. 

It's very difficult to win the Tour de France at such a young age (Adam Yates is 23) and there is so much to learn. You have to learn when to hold back and the team around that rider has to learn how they respond. 

Image source, EPA

So Greg van Avermaet holds the yellow jersey today, and although he had been slipping back he appears to have made up time over the last 30km or so, showing that he isn't ready to relinquish the maillot jaune just yet

In the general classification, he holds a five minute 50 second advantage over second-placed Adam Yates, who is in the same chasing pack as the Belgian, so no worries there.

But he needs to keep watch of leader Thibaut Pinot, who is two minutes ahead on stage eight, having started the day nine minutes adrift overall. 

The trio of Thibaut Pinot, Rafal Majka and Tony Martin are now making their ascent up the second climb of the day, the Hourquette d'Ancizan, which is only category two. 

Their advantage is two minutes 30 seconds. 

Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist

Yesterday's stage gave Thibaut Pinot some real problems. I can only presume with him going on the attack today, that his problems yesterday were not due to fitness or form but more than likely the heat and possibly dehydration.

Tony Martin (Etixx–Quick-Step) has made up some time during the descent to leaders Thibaut Pinot and Rafal Majka.

The chasing group comprising Team Sky's Chris Froome and Movistar'sNairo Quintana are two minutes 20 seconds back, while Greg van Avermaet in the yellow jersey is six minutes in arrears. 

The Belgian leader did say he might not be able to keep up today.

Image source, AFP

Amazingly, there have still been no withdrawals from the 198 riders who started the race this year, a Tour record. 

Let's hope it stays that way for as long as possible. 

If you're looking at the riders heading up these mountains and wondering just how they manage it, here's something that could help.

British Cycling have shared the specific exercises they get riders to do to help prepare them for hill climbing.....

Inspired to get back on your bike? 

Take a look at this handy guide to find ways to get into cycling.

Thibaut Pinot picks up 25 points towards the king of the mountains jersey. The French FDJ rider and Rafal Majka made it to the Tourmalet summit 25 seconds ahead of Tony Martin, one minute 42 seconds ahead of  Romain Sicard, and two minutes 22 seconds ahead of a group including Alejandro Valverde and defending champion Chris Froome. 

They are all bombing down the other side now. 

Thibaut Pinot fancies this and bursts away to the top as Rafal Majka responds. Tony Martin cannot keep up with the pair and the home favourite Pinot makes it to the top of the Tourmalet to take the Souvenir Jacques-Goddet, awarded to the summit winner. 

Image source, AFP

Despite his seemingly Lazarus-like recovery today, Thibaut Pinot looked very hot and bothered on stage seven, losing more than three minutes. As Rob Hayles said, team-mates were heading back to pour cold water on the poor lad.

A day riding in Manchester would have sorted him out, it's been lashing down here which ruled me out of cycling to work today. Very much a fair-weather cyclist. 

But it got us thinking; what was your hottest, coldest or wettest cycle ride? I'm sure you've got some cracking stories and pictures to tell us about heroic feats. 

Send them in via #bbccycling, external

Image source, AFP

Thibaut Pinot, Rafal Majka and Tony Martin are two minutes ahead of Chris Froome's group as the Col du Tourmalet summit nears. 

One last push lads. Think of the free wheel on the other side! 

Six kilometres to the top of Col du Tourmalet and Tony Martin has joined Thibaut Pinot and Rafal Majka in a three man breakaway. 

It's the 84th time the Tour has headed up to this point, over 2115m above sea level.

Who's got the oxygen? 

Rob Hatch
BBC Radio 5 live commentator

France's FDJ rider Thibaut Pinot had a shocking day on stage seven, especially for this early in the Tour. This is one of the best climbers in the world, and he has improved in the time trials, but it was his strength which was the problem yesterday. And on one of the easier climbs too.

He lost more than three minutes, and if he wants to get back into a respectable position in the general classification, he needs to attack at some stage.

Looks like he's heeding that advice Rob! 

And for the record, Geraint Thomas, who tipped Steve Cummings to win yesterday, fancied Pinot to win today.

The eagle eyed among you will see that Thibaut Pinot was at the back of that leading sprint group, which increased from 13 riders to 15. The FDJ rider looked dead and buried yesterday after the first day in the Pyrenees, which came as a shock to many observers so early in the Tour.

But the Frenchman looks to have made a good recovery overnight, he and Rafal Majka (Tinkoff) are now 20 seconds ahead of Arnold Jeannesson and Tony Martin as they power up the Tourmalet.

The rest of the field is split with a group comprising Team Sky's Chris Froome 50 seconds further back, Vincenzo Nibali is one minute 15 seconds off the leading pace and yellow jersey wearer Greg van Avermaet is over two minutes behind Pinot and Majka. 

As promised, the results of the intermediate sprint. No danger to green jersey wearer Mark Cavendish, he'll still be wearing it tomorrow, although Peter Sagan will now be 25 points behind the Manxman after adding another two points to his total. 

1. Michael Matthews, 20 pts 

2. Mikaël Chérel, 17 pts 

3. Jasper Stuyven, 15 pts 

4. Stef Clement, 13 pts 

5. Paul Voss, 11 pts 

6. Tom Dumoulin, 10 pts 

7. Dylan van Baarle, 9 pts 

8. Romain Sicard, 8 pts 

9. Luis Leon Sanchez, 7 pts 

10. Jesus Herrada, 6 pts 

11. Dani Navarro, 5 pts 

12. Ilnur Zakarin, 4 pts 

13. Wout Poels, 3 pts 

14. Peter Sagan, 2 pts 

15. Thibaut Pinot, 1 pt  

Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist

Image source, Tour de France

Today is not particularly technical into the finish, so the final ascent might play a big part but after the Col du Tourmalet, the climbs come one after another. 

For any of the general classification contenders, the Tourmalet might steady them a bit but for stage winners, it could be the launch pad they want. But if they do go, they will not want to go alone. They will need help to get them from there to the finish. 

The 13 riders out in front begin the ascent of the first category climb of the Tour - Col du Tourmalet.

They have a 25 second lead over the peloton and are made up of the following riders: Wout Poels (Sky), Jesus Herrada (Movistar), Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana), Mikaël Chérel (AG2R-La Mondiale), Jasper Stuyven (Trek-Segafredo), Stef Clement (IAM).

Dylan van Baarle (Cannondale-Drapac), Tom Dumoulin (Giant), Paul Voss (Bora), Ilnur Zakarin (Katusha), Romain Sicard (Direct Energie), Dani Navarro (Cofidis) and Michael Matthews (Orica-BikeExchange).