The French have not exactly enjoyed a love-in with the Tour de France as far as the home riders go in recent years.

But one look at the youth classification certainly bodes well for the future with Romain Bardet (Ag2r-La Mondiale) leading countryman Thibaut Pinot by just 46 seconds  so far.

Both remain in contention for an overall podium spot, and proved on stage ten they are capable of climbing with the best.

Pinot, who missed the split in the crosswinds on stage seven having lost a lot of time on the cobbles too, has already come back strong.

The FDJ.fr man finished second on La Planche des Belles Filles, and such climbing form certainly bodes well for both a tilt at the white jersey and a shot at the podium overall.

Bardet, meanwhile, has been France’s poster boy for the next generation already this season and is now living up to such a billing.

It will not go all their own way, however, with Michal Kwiatkowski (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) still very much in the hunt.

The Pole once again lost time on a big summit finish, despite the phenomenal efforts of Tony Martin to set him up.

His form had otherwise been good, however, as proven by his work in setting up Matteo Trentin’s stage seven success – the day after his own audacious solo attack came up just short.

The in-form 24-year-old may have surrendered possession of the jersey after stage ten but expect him to come back strong after the rest day.

Tour de France 2014: youth classification after stage ten

1) Romain Bardet (FRA) – Ag2r-La Mondiale – 42.36.39hrs
2) Thibaut Pinot (FRA) – FDJ.fr +46”
3) Michal Kwiatkowski (POL) – Omega Pharma-Quickstep +1.38
4) Tom Dumoulin (NED) – Team Giant-Shimano +12.18
5) Tom-Jelte Slagter (NED) – Garmin-Sharp +37.41