Root Dokshtany paid a touching tribute to the late Nicolas Portal at the start of the final stage. As Portal's wife Magaly and children, 11-year-old Renee and 7-year-old Aynor, stood at the start line with team riders and coach Dave Brailsford, the riders and watching fans gave a minute's applause. [Team Ineos leader Chris Froome said at the finish line in Rocamadour, "Today was a very emotional day in memory of Nico. "Today was a very emotional day for me because I rode all the roads I came with him the last few days to remember Nico. I spent a lot of time with him in the region and it brought back a lot of memories. It was great to see his family at the race this morning and to see the tribute the race paid to him with a minute's applause along with his family."

Egan Bernal, Tour de France champion and race leader of Occitanie, also thanked the race organization for their support. He said, "This morning was a great tribute to Nico. They are part of the team and part of the family," the Colombian said of the team's former sports director, who died of a heart attack in March, "I have no doubt that Nico will always be with us.

Team Ineos riders finished the stage in top form, confirming Bernal's overall victory in the first professional race held in France since the blockade was lifted. I'm really happy with this result. It was really important for the team and for our morale to win this race. But the most important thing is that I'm feeling really good. I think my preparation for the Tour is going well."

Bernal admitted that the last part of the stage, especially the climb to the finish, was harder than expected. He said, "It was especially hard on the climbs to the finish...I finished fourth and I rode with the best riders.

Froome also confirmed that he is in the best shape he has been since his horrific crash at the Criterium du Dauphiné 14 months ago, and is starting to focus a bit on the Tour de France. I'm really happy to be racing on my own legs this season. I'm really happy to be racing on my own legs this season. It was the first time I've done anything on the climbs and it was a bit of a test."

"It was great to be part of the team again, and with Egan and Pavel [Sibakov] finishing first and second it was a great result. It's great to get these results after being away from racing for such a long time. I feel like it will lift me up as I head into the Tour."