"We started the stage fully focused. Yesterday we checked the first 40k and we mentalised it. We were expecting a hard race after a rest day. In a critical moment I checked and I saw it was 5 Bahrains withtin the top 20. Matej, Fred, Mikel, Jack – we all were attacking, going full gas. At one point, I saw the guys from Jumbo-Visma were letting go one group. I was waiting for the right moment, everybody was at the limit, to make my attack. Neilands made an impressive attack – he was the strongest, but he took too much headwind. We cooperated well in the chase. In the final 3km, I knew I was the fastest man, I controlled. With cold blood I let Zimmermann do his attack… and I sprinted without thinking of anything. I went with everything I had, with all energy I had, remembering the reason I was riding – for Gino. It was a special victory. It was hard to prepare and to come with a positive energy in the Tour. I wanted to ride the first two stages for the win but it wasn’t possible. Then I waited for my moment. My overall position was a problem, but I decided to make one move – the right move. This is my fist victory in the Tour, after 13 years as a pro. It's such a special moment for me."
