Steven Kruijswijk prepared to fight UAE Emirates "If they ride a little harder, we will ride for the stage victory"

The UAE Emirates team is one of the biggest challengers in the Tour de France. Even Steven Kruijswijk is impressed by the team and acknowledges their strength, "It's still two weeks, but so far, they make a strong impression," said Kruijswijk to NOS.

He continues, "It was a tough stage, the first tough mountain stage. It was a good test for everyone. We rode behind the leading group all day because UAE kept it tightly under control. We had the idea they wanted to give up yellow, but that turned out not to be the case. They shot another arrow off. That was impressive. You also have to let them work. It's still two weeks away, but so far they're making a strong impression. They took control themselves. If they ride a little harder, we will ride for the stage victory," said the Dutchman.

Pogacar finished 5th in today’s stage, 49 seconds behind the stage winner. Jonas Vingegaard followed soon and finished sixth behind him, "We knew Jonas had to ride on his wheel today. The climb was not super tricky. Pogacar lies that very well. It's good that Jonas is on his wheel.”The tour will continue from Tuesday with a break on Monday, giving riders a chance to rest. "I'm ready for the rest day though. This week has been a tough start. Every day there has been racing. Many riders are ready for that rest day," concluded Kruijswijk.