“From the moment I went alone [with 64km to go], I was going full gas! I gave it everything I could and I was digging really deep. Of course, when I hit the climb I was in trouble but I tried to fight over it and at least stay with the front group... unfortunately I just missed by a few seconds.
“I was riding with a lot of emotions because today is, in fact, five years since my dad died. He started me in cycling – he gave me the inspiration – and I really wanted to give to my family know that I’m now in the best league. I’m in the Tour de France now and I know he would be proud. I was really fighting hard for the win today.
“People who do sport know that, if you have special feelings – if you really want to perform something special – you can dig deep and get some real power out of your legs. I did that today and I felt really good when I was out there alone.
“I was digging so deep on the approach to the climb and I did whatever I could to gain time; when I hit the hill I just exploded and I tried to fight over it and unfortunately it was not enough.”
Interview
July 14
th
2012
- 18:20
Morkov: I know he would be proud
