Peraud and Pinot thrilled with podium finishes at Tour de France

Frenchman Peraud crashed on Sunday's final stage in Paris, but recovered to cross the line on the Champs-Elysees and seal a historic podium.

The Ag2r-La Mondiale rider was seven minutes and 37 seconds behind yellow jersey winner Vincenzo Nibali, with compatriot Thibaut Pinot of FDJ rounding off the top three.

The result marked the first time since 1997 that a home rider had finished in the top three.

Few expected Peraud to be the man to end that drought, but the 37-year-old says the surprising nature of his triumph makes it all the more enjoyable.

"For me it is all the more beautiful," he said.
"In training, I was not even considering the podium of the Tour.

"However, I wanted to reach my goal, which was the top five. That is something that speaks to me."

Meanwhile, Pinot, who also claimed the young rider jersey, cut an emotional figure following the race.

"The emotions are huge," Pinot said. "It really is the best place in the world, the Tour, so it's wonderful.

"I thank my team, my family because this is also for all of them.

"This is the reward for everything I've done since the beginning of my career."