"I was in a perfect position, but the legs... I just couldn't go any faster" - Alberto Bettiol misses Tour de Suisse stage win but takes Maillot Jaune

Having attempted a flyer in the final few kilometres on stage 2, Alberto Bettiol waited for the punchy sprint finale on stage 3 of the 2024 Tour de Suisse. Although he couldn't take the victory, the Italian doesn't leave the day empty handed, having move into the Maillot Jaune.

“I'm not disappointed, because I just couldn't have done better. Thibau Nys rode a very strong sprint and I just couldn't pass him," reflected the 30-year-old Italian of EF Education-EasyPost in his post-stage interview having crossed the line in 3rd position behind the aforementioned Nys and Stephen Williams. "He is the deserved winner and I must congratulate him. It is important to improve a little and then I hope to beat him next time.”

In the finale, although he wasn't victorious, Bettiol was delighted by the support he received from his EF Education-EasyPost teammates, making sure to thank them in his post-stage reflection afterwards. “In the final I could count on help from Richard Carapaz, he did really well. I was in a perfect position, but the legs..." Bettiol trails off. "I'm not disappointed, because I just couldn't go any faster."

As mentioned though, the day was completely fruitless for Bettiol as thanks to his efforts, the former Giro d'Italia stage winner rose 7th to 1st in the general classification. “And I am very happy with that. The yellow jersey was indeed a goal. We worked hard as a team today and this yellow jersey is a kind of reward. I hope to one day repay the work of my teammates," he concludes, although he realises it is likely to be a short stint in the Maillot Jaune. "Tomorrow another Tour de Suisse starts, then we will climb. I hope that Richard and the other climbers within the team can continue the positive spirit.”