“It was impossible to follow when Tadej Pogacar attacked. I was at the limit and there was too much distance left to go for me to put myself in the red. At the same time, he took a 40” advantage, it wasn’t two or three minutes. In the end Jonas was the smartest and he was very strong. They both played in another division. I found myself with Primoz Roglic and we worked to try to fill in, I think I took more slack than him. Then we went through a very slippery corner and he fell, so I went for 3rd place in the stage. In the end I did well, I rode at my own pace and I think it was the right decision. Now I have widened the gap on everyone behind Primoz, so I am well placed to stay on the podium, which is good for my first Tour. I just have to keep the confidence and be there from Saturday. In the Pyrenees and the Alps, we will have longer, less explosive climbs than today. Maybe this will suit me better and I can try something. I’m going to fight, in any case.”
