“We didn’t plan to split the bunch. We only expected the stage to be nervous and tricky. Our intention was only to protect my yellow jersey and to focus on a sprint with Elia Viviani. We knew precisely at which kilometre there was a risk of crosswinds. All teams gave the same instructions. There was a lot of stress and pressure in the peloton and when it split, everyone expected it, then we did the maximum. It was not my goal to gain time over the favourites. My plans on GC haven’t changed. Anything that can happen from now is just bonus.”
