"This jersey is a reward for my efforts today. It wasn’t my main objective; I wanted to win the stage and take the Maillot Jaune. With the legs I had, I really believed I could do it. I felt really good – that’s a good sign for the days ahead. But UAE wanted to win the stage. And when I saw the gap closing on the final stretch along those wide roads, with a headwind, I had my doubts… But the polka-dot jersey is a consolation.
I can picture myself watching the Tour as a child, dreaming of that jersey. Along with the Yellow Jersey, it’s the one I’ve always wanted to wear one day. Now, you have to fight to keep a jersey. I’m going to try to recover and hold on to it for as long as possible."
