"I knew I had a good chance to win but the legs had to be there. I didn’t feel like I could go any faster so it was a good plan. I kind of pushed pretty steadily, a bit harder on the uphills than the downhills of course. And I gained positions at every checkpoint. The pacing was perfect and everything was on point, I’m super happy.
Now, the two guys from the team that came for stage wins have done it, with Tim [Merlier] and I. We can be relieved and focus on the podium in Paris. Of course, there are regrets after our rookie mistake on day 1. But we can’t change the past and it actually motivated me even more! It’s getting better every day so let’s hope it keeps going like that.
Tadej [Pogacar] did a very strong time trial as well, losing about half a second per kilometre. If you compare with the Critérium du Dauphiné, he made a big step forward and he shows he’s in big form.
I did what I had to do to take as much time as possible and step up in GC. It’s kind of the same situation as last year, so I’m happy with that. It’s a big step towards the podium but there’s still a long way to go. Everybody knows what’s coming next week and the week after. One year, I will come to win the Tour but it’s a bit too early this year."
