While Team Ineos was buoyed by Owain Doull's stage win and Eddie Dunbar's sixth place overall finish at the Tour de la Provence, team director Brett Lancaster had high hopes for Pavel Sivakov as a podium contender over the four-day race, More was expected of him.

Like many before him, however, Sivakov struggled mightily in his first taste of Mont Ventoux, falling 4:30 behind Saturday's stage winner and overall winner, Nairo Quintana (Alcare Sumsic).

"I really wasn't getting anywhere," Sivakov said on Sunday. I was trying to follow Quintana's attack when I cracked."

"I really wanted to show myself on Ventoux, but when you're not in shape it's difficult on any climb.

"I was already starting to crack before his big attack, finishing 30th or 15th doesn't change anything.

According to coach Tim Kerrison, who has been a low-profile presence at the "Titan of Provence," Sibakov may have lost too much weight too quickly after returning from Australia. He's at the same weight he was when he won the Tour of Poland last year. He wanted to do well in Ventoux, so he wanted to lose a little more weight, but I think he lost too much weight too quickly. He paid the price on Saturday. It was a good lesson for a young rider that you have to keep a balance between weight and power."

Despite the setback, Sivakov says he will still be on the start line for the Tour de France.

"I have to be at 100% in June," he said. Being in great shape in February is a morale booster, but if you're aiming to be in great shape in July, is that the best plan after all?"