“The way the team rode today with only four riders, just to take the stage win is already incredible. We can all be proud of what we have done. Without Rafal [Majka], George [Bennett], Vegard [Stake Laengen] and [Marc] Soler, we couldn’t try more. We’ll see tomorrow if there is another chance but for now I’m happy that I won today. I gave absolutely everything. I knew I had to win the stage for the team. There was no other way. It’s not only because of Bandon [McNulty], Mikkel [Bjerg] and [Marc] Hirschi too. Mikkel set such a good pace on the climb, I felt so good and confident with that pace, then Brandon did an amazing job in the last two climbs. He’s been good all the Tour but today he deserves a special mention. I’m so happy! And I’m optimistic that I can still win the Tour. Tomorrow is a harder stage, so we can try again.”
