"I feel that confidence has returned" - Remco Evenepoel speaks of elevated mood in Soudal Quick-Step after two victories

The sixth stage of Tour de France was certainly not what was expected, but for the GC men, there were ultimately no major changes in the standings as most protagonists arrived together, including white jersey Remco Evenepoel.

"I'm doing well right now," he told Sporza after the stage. "It was certainly tough and challenging, but I don't really feel like I suffered, except for the last minute."

The Belgian gained a lot of time in yesterday's timetrial, but it was important to stay sharp also the very next day with race opened from the get-go. "It was a good day and I'm happy with my recovery after yesterday. Everything was nicely under control."

Quite a change of mood compared to the first stage of the race when both Evenepoel and Merlier were caught out on the crosswinds, losing precious team in the GC: "Yes, with those two victories and after our mistake on the first day, everyone was shaken up. We know why we're here."

Evenepoel didn't miss this opportunity to praise his Soudal - Quick-Step teammates for putting him in a perfect position in decisive moments of the stage. "When I look at the work of Van Wilder, Schachmann, Eenkhoorn, and Cattaneo at the end... That was very beautiful. I was everywhere I was supposed to be. I feel that confidence has returned."