Roglic on his way to winning Critérium du Dauphiné and "still improving every day"

Primoz Roglic has taken a decisive hit today at the Critérium du Dauphiné, by hitting it out on the ascent to Vaujany to create decisive gaps that further launched him into the lead of the race.

“I really enjoyed this stage. I won my first stage in the Tour a few years ago in this region. Today it also went smoothly. Winning the stage wasn't the top priority, but it's a shame that I missed the win by a hair's width," the Slovenian said at the end of the day. With Jumbo-Visma having comfortably ridden into the final ascent where Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard were in perfect position.

"The team did a really excellent job today. Jonas rode an impressive stage," he added. The Dane pushed the pace, thinning down the GC group in the final climb despite the favourable position, and inside the final kilometers Roglic stormed away to take even more time on his competitors. He now leads the race with 44 seconds over Vingegaard and 1:24 minutes over his most direct rival Ben O'Connor who rode to fourth place today.

"I see tomorrow's stage as the queen stage. Of course I want to defend my leader's jersey. It's certainly not a foregone conclusion yet, so we'll still have to be on our guard," he said regarding tomorrow's goals.

As for the long-term goal which is the Tour de France, Roglic also took away very good signs from today's performance: "I came to this Dauphiné to get the good feeling. I think we are on a very good track with the team towards the upcoming goals. I am still improving every day and I feel that the legs are getting stronger. That is a good sign."