"I know that tomorrow is Belgium's national holiday, but it's a rest day, so it's good to win today. It was a great stage and we needed someone from the team at the front with such a big breakaway. And actually, the hardest part was getting into the right breakaway. Then at the end, there were only a few of us left and I had to make a decision because I knew I wouldn't win if I finished in a small group. I think Victor Campenaerts knew that we were the two strongest riders, so it was better to attack him on a section that was still climbing a little.
Obviously, it's my best victory. There's nothing better than winning a stage of the Tour de France, and it means even more with the Belgian champion's jersey. It's true that I've changed since I was a rider a few years ago, but I think that's mainly because I'm now working in the best team in the world. That has changed my career.
My only goal is for Tadej [Pogacar] to keep the Yellow Jersey, that's why we came here and everything is going well so far. It's an honour to work for him and this victory is a bonus, but I didn't come here with the idea of joining the club of winners of the three Grand Tours."
