"I'd like to try, to go for 4th" - Mikel Landa hoping for freedom with Remco Evenepoel's Tour de France podium virtually confirmed

After stage 19 of the Tour de France 2024, Mikel Landa has once again managed to combine his super domestique role for Remco Evenepoel with a high general classification standing, sitting 5th overall.

Soudal - Quick-Step's Basque rider crossed the line in 8th position atop Isola 2000, taking advantage of yet another disappointing ride by Carlos Rodriguez to consolidate a top 5 placing. His compatriot is now 2 minutes behind him in a general classification where Landa. Speaking after the stage, he said that if his team leader Evenepoel does not need his help on Saturday's stage, he will go all out to get himself ahead of João Almeida.

"Tomorrow I'd like to try, to go for 4th (Almeida's) place. If Remco doesn't need me, I'll try," began Landa, who knows that Evenepoel may still hold hope of taking Jonas Vingegaard's 2nd place, which he will try to start catching on Saturday to give him the full ride on his home turf, the final time trial in Nice.

"We have it in mind, of course," adds Landa about that dispute for second place with the Visma - Lease a Bike leader, now that Tadej Pogacar has already sentenced the general classification, more than 5 minutes behind the Dane. "Jonas has been focused on saving that 2nd place today, but tomorrow we can put forward a more aggressive race."