"However, every now and then I do get a leadership role within the team. Then it is up to me to fulfill that role, as I did in
Strade Bianche. Or like last year in the Clasica San Sebastian. It makes me happy that the team has so much confidence in me."
"The legs never felt better at this stage of the season. It is now important to capitalize on my condition as best as possible. It took me a little longer to recover from the Strade, partly due to the fall. I didn't give it my all in the opening time trial, but my body is feeling a lot better now."