"Going into the stage, I was half expecting to completely lose GC [after being sick last night] so it was nice to be in the fight in the group behind Tadej [Pogacar]. I’m relieved. I felt okay actually. I kind of surprised myself. Luckily, I could eat this morning, and I ate normal last night, so I don’t think it’s such a big thing. Obviously I was a bit behind after the TT. When I looked at the stages, I circled this one as a big day for the GC riders at a similar level. With the downhill finish and the short climbs, I was basically expecting how it played out with a small group coming to the line. So far, so good. The white jersey matches the shorts, it’s always good! It’s a nice goal. With the ambitions that I have, hopefully the white jersey comes as a nice bonus. [Jarno Widar] is obviously really strong. That kick he had in the end… The upcoming stages are gonna be quite tricky so for sure it’s not over."
