"I think I can be a good competitor for Wout" - Jasper Philipsen to hunt green jersey record at Tour de France

Jasper Philipsen was absolutely unbeatable at the Tour de France this year in the fight for the green jersey. A sprinting and positioning mastermind, but also an incredibly versatile rider with full team support, the Belgian aims to win more races such as the one he had this year.

"I want to make it a goal to win the green jersey as much as possible," Philipsen said in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. "This year I was lucky that Wout van Aert didn't go all the way, but with my sprinting and climbing legs I should have a good chance every year. I think I can be a good competitor for Wout." For Van Aert and anyone else in fact, he had a spotless bunch sprint run this year, and won with a very large advantage over Mads Pedersen.

The record of Peter Sagan's seven green jerseys is perhaps too difficult to reach, however at 25 years of age the Belgian already has one in the bag and is likely a big favourite for years to come if he keeps his level. Combining the Tour de France with the spring classics is also likely a very logical goal for him taking into consideration his performances this year. "My podium finish in Paris-Roubaix created a connection. I now know that I can also compete for a win in races of that calibre."

"I took the step I wanted to take in those types of races. It is something to continue with and I like to do it in addition to sprinting. I definitely want to win the Belgian Championships and the European Championships, which are close by in Hasselt," Philipsen adds. "I'm also aiming for the Olympics road race in Paris, but the places will come at a premium."