Steven Kruijswijk optimistic for next stage "If Jonas comes second here, I have a lot of confidence in the coming weeks"

Steven Kruijswijk finished 21st in the Tour de France's seventh stage. While other riders are having issues, he consistently increases his standing in the race while assisting his teammates in pursuing stage wins.

"I rode up that climb as hard as I could until I was at the limit. The last kilometer, I took it easy, as far as I could," Kruijswijk told NOS. "Our day was mainly supporting Primož and Jonas. It was a bit uncertain how Primož would feel, but it's super clever how he recovered. He is mentally very strong. There was nothing to be done about Pogačar winning again."

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Tadej Pogacar wins atop Planches des Belles Filles and consolidates Tour de France lead

Jonas Vingegaard narrowly lost the stage victory to Pogacar, and Kruijswijk considers this an improvement for the team. "This climb is written for Pogačar. If Jonas comes second here, I have a lot of confidence in the coming weeks. The course was not super tough, until the finale. This was a very good measurement over twenty minutes between the guys. The fact that Jonas can do battle with Pogačar here is a good sign," concluded Kruijswijk . He holds the 33rd position in GC, 7 minutes and 25 seconds behind overall leader Tadej Pogacar.