Unfortunately it wasn’t enough today for the win. But I a very satisfied with third place, because I feel very well, the legs are strong and I am in Tour modus. The finish was not that simple. As expected, it was hectic and hard because of the uphill run-in to the finish line. My plan was to wait and come from behind. But I waited just a tick too long and my position was not optimal. That’s how it is for sprinters: you have to decide how to ride the sprint and I chose to go with gambling and waiting. That’s why I’m not too disappointed. At least I can say: the punch is there! So I come out of this stage pretty confident.

Quick-Step did a mega-strong job, was the only team in the last meters that was still together, and Gaviria pulled it off. You can only say congratulations. Tomorrow will probably see the next bunch sprint again with another rising finish. Let’s see how I decide to tackle it ;-) Everything is possible!

Photo: roth-foto.de