Emotional Matej Mohoric a 'proud' winner of stage 19: "We have had some tough times"

As Matej Mohoric powered his way to victory in a photo finish, ahead of stage 18 winner Kasper Asgreen, more than just the potential victory of a Tour de France stage was running through the mind of the Slovenian.

"We have had some tough times. I am very happy and proud," said the Bahrain - Victorious rider in his post-stage interview, referencing the tragic death of teammate Gino Mader at the recent Tour de Suisse. The whole Bahrain - Victorious team and many other riders throughout the peloton have been wearing 'Ride for Gino' banners on their kit at the Tour de France.

"It means a lot to me," Mohoric explains. "It's tough being a professional cyclist, you suffer a lot. You prepare for a goal like the Tour de France, but after a few days you realize that everyone is very strong and that you can't keep up with the rest. On Wednesday I was completely empty on the Col de la Loze, but you know you have to get to the top."

"And then you have to go again the next day and you see the staff getting up again at six o'clock in the morning, while they went to bed at twelve o'clock at night," continues the emotional Mohoric. “When Kasper went, he was so strong. He won on Thursday and now he wanted to do it again. I don't want to be sorry once I get to the team bus. I'm not as strong as the others, but I can keep the focus in the crucial moments. I knew that the move was the decisive one, after which I could compete purely on mentality."

"I'm strong enough, but so are the other 150 drivers. Every rider deserves to win," he concludes. "I've seen all the faces and I know what it can mean for your career."