"To claim this win is unbelievable. I had to overcome a couple of hard stages and wait for this day to get this first chance to sprint in the Tour de France. This victory means quite a lot.
I’m happy I got back to this level after a pretty tough spring, in which I had to keep believing in myself through many setbacks. Actually, just having a few people believing in you is all you need in times like these.
To be here today, receiving the support of the team, was all I could ask for. They did a great job. It was quite an easy day until the final, and in those cases you can anticipate that it’s going to be a hectic sprint. Especially in the beginning of a Grand Tour, when everyone is still really eager. In the final kilometres, I just managed to find my way on my own. I found the right wheel, and when I saw the line I just went as hard as I could towards it.
We will enjoy this win. There are many more days left in this Tour, but we will keep going and try to do our best every day. There are many opportunities left, of course, but first you need to get there - and I’ll take it day by day."
