Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates): “It definitely took patience. My legs felt good but the morale wasn’t that high in the first part of the stage. Then I saw everybody was uncomfortable with the cold and the rain. I felt good in the last climb and I attacked. Lopez had done a big effort and I chose the right moment. I had good support on the road from Slovenian fans, from my family and from the team car. They gave me incredible motivation, and I went full gas for last hour. They make it easier for me. It was incredible, with so many emotions. I don’t realise that I’ve won three stages in my first Grand Tour. I barely realise I’m gonna be on the final podium of La Vuelta. It will be an honour to stand on the same podium as Alejandro Valverde and Primoz Roglic. It’s really incredible. I never imagined this. It will take me some days to understand what I’ve done.”
