"At some point, gusts of wind were blowing from the side. The road was curvy in a village. I was scared of possible echelons. I didn't want to be caught by surprise. That's when BMC accelerated but I was attentive and they stopped a few kilometers further.
From last year's Vuelta that I lost close to the end, I've maybe learnt how to handle a stage race as a team but it was at the different period of the season. I had already won the Giro and done a full season at a high level. On the other hand, I came to the Tour de France this year after improving my condition progressively in order to reach my first peak of the year precisely at the Tour de France.
As an Italian, I'm proud to become part of the history of the Tour like prestigious champions in the past. Two years ago, I already felt so when I was battling against Wiggins and Froome. But I'm probably too focused on my race now to put my performances into perspective and realize what it means."
Interview
July 20
th
2014
- 18:12
Vincenzo Nibali: "I was attentive to possible echelons"