"Maillot Jaune is on my mind" - Kevin Vauquelin promises more attacks in the fourth stage to Rouen

Kevin Vauquelin carried the white jersey safely through the carnage in the final of Tour de France stage 3. Therefore he can already think about fourth stage which will be another opportunity to sneak into the yellow jersey.

"At the start of the day, it was really quiet, we didn't even have any rain in the end," Vauqulin recounted stage 3 in a press communication. The mood in peloton swiftly changed as the riders passed the only categorized climb on the course. "Then it became very nervous after Cassel."

"It's never nice to see others fall, but personally I tried to keep a safe distance and was able to avoid the crashes," the Frenchman was visibly relieved. The main threat to his white jersey - Remco Evenepoel, wasn't as lucky as him. "When Remco went down with 5 kilometres to go, I was right behind him, but that's how I managed to avoid him."

It was not the only close call for Vauquelin on Monday: "Already in the intermediate sprint, I was in the front ranks but it was alright, I was able to move aside. Still, it’s a shame to see someone abandon in an intermediate sprint."

With all (not much) that happened, the Arkéa - B&B Hotels leader continues his journey in white jersey. "Spending the day with the white jersey was great. It's beautiful and I was encouraged throughout the stage."

Stage 4 will provide another opportunity for the explosive Frenchman to raise his hands in Rouen. "It's a course that suits me. I haven't seen it, but I have friends and family who have been there and they've described it to me."

And if things play out perfectly, the 24-year-old dares to think big: "Of course, the Maillot Jaune is on my mind. I don't know if I'll be marked, but they know I'm not aiming for the overall classification. However, it would be great to wear it for the stage in Caen. Whatever happens, happens. We'll see."