"Lately I suffered a lot of defeats" - Stefan Kung returns to winning ways on opening stage of the Tour de Suisse

For the first time since the 19th of February at the Volta ao Algarve, Stefan Kung returned to winning on the opening stage, individual time-trial at the Tour de Suisse. A big relief for the Swiss time-trial specialist.

“I was talking about it with friends this morning. How long has it been since I finished outside the top 5 in a time trial? That was two years ago, but lately I suffered a lot of defeats," said the Groupama - FDJ rider in his post-stage interview. "I am really very relieved that it has now worked. And that for my own people, in the presence of my wife, son and relatives.”

On a stage where the level of competition was high, Kung prevailed ahead of the likes of Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert to move into the overall lead of the Tour de Suisse. “There was very little time between the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de Suisse. I trained at altitude, but came back very tired. So I was not confident," Kung continued. "But I saw my friends and relatives standing by the side of the road. That gave me extra motivation. I knew I could set a good time, but I didn't want to put too much pressure on myself.”

“I will definitely defend the jersey now. Surviving tomorrow should in principle be possible. We have to wait for the first mountain stage. I can't promise anything, but I'll do my very best," Kung concludes when questioned about how long he can keep the overall lead of the race.