"Honestly, I don’t even know what to say. I’m just super happy. We set up the climb for Tadej [Pogacar], and then he attacked… but they eased up on the descent, and I came back. Then I attacked from behind and my brother came across to me, so we could work together. At first, I didn’t know if I should work with him, so I asked on the radio… and they told me to go.
I knew Simon was doing well. We speak every day, as we are very close. To share this experience with him is very nice. I wish he had taken it a bit easier, though, as he almost dropped me in one moment!
I had the yellow jersey once, in 2020, and back then it was a special moment. But as of now I just want to keep my feet on the ground. Tadej is the boss. He has proven to be the best in the world. Over the next three weeks, he will show it again. I’m not the leader of the team, but rather a support rider for Tadej. Over the next three weeks, it’s all for Tadej… and I’m sure we are going to do a good job."
