“There were many of you in your team riding at the front while Jonas was already alone. Will this be the key to the next stages?
If you looked closely, from Briançon to the top of Galibier, we had a very strong headwind. To ride in front, you had to have big balls. Hats off to all my teammates, we showed that we were one of the strongest teams on this Tour. Riding like we did today is crazy. They did a crazy job and we have to keep going.
Of your twelve stage victories in the Tour, considering the work done by your team, where do you place it?
I don’t know, maybe in the top 5. After the Tour, we will see things differently but yes, one of my best, for sure.
This stage forced everyone to reveal their real level. Is Jonas Vingegaard better than you expected?
It’s hard to say where he is now. We’ve had a glimpse of it, but there are still quite a few stages where others may be riding at a better level. In three weeks, everything can change for everyone. Some may have felt less good today, others really good. But I see Jonas very strong and I can see that he’s in good shape. We’ll see in the next stages, especially Friday’s time trial.
You seemed angry when, at one point, you spoke with Joao Almeida, what did you say to each other?
No, it was an impression. At that speed, it’s impossible to communicate on a bike. Even if you wanted to say ‘I love you’, you’d have to shout, and you’d look angry. I wasn’t angry about anything at all, we rode a great stage and I’m happy about it.”
