"It was a really difficult race today, especially on the last climb. Jonas [Vingegaard]'s attack was so strong. But I told myself that, after my guys had been working all day, I had to push all the way to the finish line. Also, [fiancé] Urska [Zigart] was at the finish line, and my family was at the bottom of the climb. Furthermore, we have launched our cancer research foundation today - hence I was wearing some special shoes. All those were reasons to win today. It’s been a long time since my 2020 success on this climb. It was a big goal for me to win today. Of course Jonas is a big rival for me. I think he is one of the strongest climbers of the world right now, probably the best, and he has a very strong team. I’m doing well too... but this is cycling, and things can change from one second to the next."
