Alexis Vuillermoz: “I took my chance at the right time”

I had targeted Mur de Huy and Mûr de Bretagne. It was pretty good to be third in Huy. Today, I was prepared for losing and taking risks for winning. I decided to attack twice, firstly in the steepest part, secondly after I had recovered a bit and Chris Froome had accelerated. I knew this kind of finish suited me as I am a punchy climber. I haven't been surprised to ride away but it's been hard to stay away. It's been a violent effort. In the first few minutes after I passed the line, I wasn't realizing that I had made it.
I haven't won much in my career, only three races, but it's also only my third year as a road rider after switching from mountain biking. Some people say that I lack confidence but I'm humble with regards to the experience I really have as a road rider. I try to learn the quickest possible. I have good teachers with Jean-Christophe Péraud, Romain Bardet and Christophe Riblon. I don't have the talent or the capacity to lead a team yet. I take my chance anytime there's one but I don't count chickens before they hatch [he used the French expression: I don't sell the skin of the bear before I've killed him, ed.]. I'm learning my job slowly but surely.
Chris Froome is a great champion. He's a better rider than me. The beauty of our sport is that we can also win riding smartly. I was feeling great and I took my chance at the right time.
I have a big thought for my dad. He had a great passion for the Tour but he died three years ago. He would have been proud to see me winning a stage of the Tour de France. When I was a kid he took me and my cousins on the road sides to watch the race. My family has always been supportive.