Fabio Jakobsen: "I want to try and shine in this jersey in every race"

Fabio Jakobsen has had a strong season and his recent title in the European Championships have seen further success for the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team. Now in special equipment for a whole year, he's motivated to show off the colours in style.

“It was super nice to race for the first time in my European Champion jersey yesterday. The European title is something special... I’m proud I can wear this jersey for the next twelve months, it’s a big honour," Jakobsen said in a press release, after the BEMER Cyclassics. He finished in 30th place on the day, in the back of the chasing group.

“I think I still have my fast legs after the Tour de France, we saw that in Munich. Le Tour was of course a big goal this year, but also the European Championships was on my agenda," Jakobsen said, however "I’m motivated to still take some wins by the end of the season. As long as my form is good and I’m healthy, I want to try and shine in this jersey in every race".

With wins at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, Volta ao Algarve, Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne, Paris-Nice, Tour de Hondrie, Elfstedenronde Brugge, Baloise Belgium Tour and the Tour de France adding to his European title, Jakobsen has been one of the most successful riders of the year. It's a season that isn't finished however...

"I definitely enjoyed the Tour, but afterwards I needed to recover one or two weeks before returning to racing. I can look back on a successful debut Tour de France and in the future I would definitely want to go there again," he said about the Grand Boucle where he suffered immensely in the mountains to complete the race.

His next outing will be at the hilly Deutschland Tour, a race that will perhaps see no real opportunity for him, but he's looking to carry his form into it. "Last Sunday in Hamburg I was also feeling well, so that gives hope for the Deutschland Tour and the races after. In Germany won’t be easy, but I think with the form I have I should be up there a couple of times. I think there’s definitely a chance for a bunch sprint," he described.

“My season has already been a successful one. I enjoyed it, had many wins and also had some hard times racing. I can say this has been a season as I like it to be... I’m just very grateful I’m still here and that I can still experience this sport in this way. I’m always doing my best for that, and I hope everyone, fans and sponsors, enjoys that," he concluded.