Molard : "You always have to believe!"

Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ): "It’s a big day for me! I was thinking about it since yesterday. I was not so far on GC. I told my teammates it was possible to get the red jersey today and I did it, it feels so good. Jake [Stewart] was so strong today. He pulled for me but at the end he had his chance to attack. In the finale, I was waiting for him because I knew he could win the stage in the sprint. With Soler taking the victory, it was good for me, to get the leader’s jersey while he was taking the time bonus. I was in a perfect position and we have the red… It’s amazing! I just had to follow [Fred Wright]. He was very strong and I know he’s very fast in the sprint. When Nikias Arndt and Daryl Impey came from behind, it was better for me because they are fast. I was stressed until the end. It means a lot to me. Last year, I left the race with a serious accident. I didn’t know if I would be able to return to my best level. And a year later I lead a Grand Tour. I really struggled this winter, I couldn’t do any sport for several weeks. You always have to believe!"