“It was pretty hard. The gravel went on for longer than I thought it would. I probably just overcooked here a little bit and paid the price towards the top I think. I just took the descent at my own pace. To be honest, I didn’t want to be alone for the headwinds to the finish, so when I saw Skjelmose and Kuss’s group come up to me I was quite relieved. I tried to pull with them and then I just started getting cramps so I was useless.
I’m not surprised, Ramses Debruyne is a strong rider. But there’s still over two weeks to go, so I don’t think it’s gonna be a matter of three seconds by the end. I think we’re the same age. I remember racing him as a junior. We were in the break together in the Dauphiné, I think he went second on the stage. I know he’s a strong rider, and the way he rode today is obviously impressive.”
