“We agreed before the stage that if I would feel better then I will try to go as far as possible and see how things go," explained the vastly experienced, 34-year-old Basque in a post-stage interview with the
Soudal - Quick-Step team's
official website. "I still miss a bit after that injury, which was obvious in the closing kilometre, but I’m on the right track for the Tour de France. I am quite happy with this result and I hope to have the same good legs also on Sunday.”
With the Tour de France hotly approaching, Evenepoel insists there is no need to panic just yet. “I need this race to improve and build my shape, so that’s why I’m here. It’s good for my form and for my head to suffer and to face these kinds of challenges," the Belgian told his team's official website post-stage. "I knew before the climb that I would get dropped there and lose some positions in the standings, so it is how it is. I am glad for Mikel, he rode a strong race and gained some places on the general classification. I will see how I feel on Sunday and what we can do.”