Of course I would have loved to go to the Tour with the national champion's jersey. And yes, of course I am disappointed that it didn’t work out. Shortly before the finish we had make a number of places good in order to be in a perfect sprint position. But the decisive curve was so tight that I couldn’t get through it behind by lead-out riders and had to take it out. Unfortunately our plan didn’t work out in the chaotic finale. I can only congratulate Pascal Ackermann on the win. For me, all I can do now is wait for the next opportunity to win the champion’s title.

The way we rode today as a team made me very confident. We fought together and then in the camper we got together again to evaluate the race and to draw our conclusions. The spirit is good and we will take that with us to the Tour.

I will now be home for one day and then be on my way to France. I am happy that the most important race of the year is finally there. The last weeks were very trainings-intensive and I feel well prepared. I am looking towards the Tour with a feeling of anticipation and concentration. But as I said, I am happy that it is finally happening.

Photos: roth-foto.de