Geraint Thomas: “It’s good for the morale”

“It was obviously a stressful finale but the team did a good work to keep us up. At the start of the climb, Chris Froome was a little far, in about twentieth position, so we had to make an effort to move up. Richie Porte attacked strongly. I didn't expect that. I knew Sagan and other riders going for the stage victory would bring him back. We said before the race that Richie was the main man. Our impression is reinforced by what he did today. However, having the yellow jersey from the start of the Tour is a massive benefit for us. It gives us the freedom to ride at the front early but today we let the honor of pulling to other teams. It's a long way to Paris with another eighteen days to go but for me it's a dream scenario so far and it's good for the morale.”