“I didn’t want to take the risk of losing anymore. It was quite obvious that we were trying something with the team. We were in a perfect position with Nathan [van Hooydonck] and Steven [Kruijswijk]. Nathan opened up. We heard through the radio that some damage was made, so I went full gas to see what would happen. I was a bit in doubt, if I had to wait for Jonas [Vingegaard] and [Adam] Yates but I went full gas so Jonas didn’t have to ride. In the last10km I went all out. This jersey gives wings. It was definitely a tough climb but this stage was very likely going to end up in bunch sprint, it was difficult to finish alone, but thanks to the work of my team-mates, I did it. It was up to me to finish it off.”
