"Just to be taking part on the Tour de France in the first place is a dream. Then, to achieve a victory like this one is excellent, a great reward to everyone who has supported me over the years: my girlfriend, my parents, my best friend in Australia, and all my friends in Girona… It’s been a wild ride. This is so fulfilling - so much joy. When I crossed the line, I couldn’t hold my tears. I’m thankful to Ag2r-Citröen. They have put so much faith in me this year.
I wasn’t meant to be on the break. But I saw there was a big group going up the road and I crossed to join it. I didn’t know what to do, if it was better to play it cool… but then I reckoned it was not only a chance to gain time and move up some places on the GC, but also for the win. I love these gruelling days. Maybe I suffered a bit on the descents, but it went well in the end. I knew that, if I stayed on a steady pace and didn’t get cramps, I would win the stage. Not panicking was also key, because if you think you are about to win a stage in the Tour de France… A lot of things are going to cross your mind!"
