“I had the double goal to retain the yellow jersey and to win the stage. It would have been special to win a second stage. I have no regret because the team perfectly executed the plan, I gave it all and I’ve been beaten by stronger than me. Moreover, I’m happy with my shape even though it’s hard to compare with last year. We won’t be able to keep that rhythm for three weeks. Soon it won’t be up to us to control the race.”
