Rohan Dennis: "I gave everything, but it just wasn't enough for the stage win"

Rohan Dennis finished second at yesterday's prologue and today it seemed like he was going to improve on his runner-up spot of yesterday, however the Australian came incredibly short of the win - having been beaten by Dylan Teuns who came from behind in the final meters of the stage.

Having started second in the overall, the leader's jersey was a goal for Dennis, however so was the stage win as right at the base of the bottom climb he responded to an attack from Brandon McNulty, and inside the final kilometer launched his own move. “I gave everything, but it just wasn't enough for the stage win. If the line is a few meters earlier, I will also take the ride. This was really too close. In the last 200 meters, but certainly the last 100 meters, I was completely empty," he said.

Dennis powered his way to the line, and his attack was almost perfectly timed. However the results sheet had him finish second once more: "The first gear in the final already hurt, but I could do a little more. I knew that if I pushed through, there was bound to be a hole. And then I would finish on the podium anyway. But unfortunately it was just not enough for the stage victory. Still, I'm happy with the result and the leader's jersey. The team also rode great today, although we may have lost a little too much energy by being at the front of the pack.”

Nevertheless, after race leader Ethan Hayter crashed towards the end of the stage, Dennis was able to stand clear and jump onto the race lead. “My timing wasn't perfect today, but we do have the leader's jersey. That's a big goal. But unfortunately someone was just a little better on the line. My form is good, at least on the short climbs. I'm going to race to the finish as fast as I can every day to see how far I can get in the standings. But I don't want to say I'm one of the favorites," he concluded.

Trying to steer the pressure away from him, the GC contenders may not look much into the Australian's chances. He leads the race with 16 seconds over Felix Grossschartner and Geraint Thomas currently, and may be a very dangerous wildcard for the days to come.