"It was a pretty tough stage with two strong riders at the front. We had to fight for a sprint and use all the guys racing through the wind. It made for a difficult sprint and I came second. Of course I wanted more but sometimes we win, sometimes it ends up like this and we learn from it.
At the end of the stage, it’s easy to say we could have done some things differently. Maybe I could have stayed more on the wheels during echelons but I was worried it would split and then I would have ended up at the back.
We spent too many guys, staying in the front positions, pulling from the start… And we missed them in the end.
We’ll keep fighting for this jersey because Merlier is also coming closer."
