Wout van Aert: "I am thrilled with this victory"

After coming to the Critérium du Dauphiné with a high-level lineup, it didn't take long for Jumbo-Visma to benefit from it, as Wout van Aert sprinted to the win on the opening stage and took the first yellow jersey of the race.

"I was well positioned. After Christophe went to the limit to catch Cavagna, I chose the wheel of the Ineos guys. I was riding in an ideal position to deliver a good sprint," van Aert said in the post-race interview. After the likes of Dylan Groenewegen and Phil Bauhaus were dropped, the Belgian was the man to beat. His sprint was indeed the strongest as he surged to the win in Beauchastel.

"It wasn't easy to stay ahead of Ethan Hayter," who he beat. "I am thrilled with this victory. The team kept me in front all day. I felt good on the climbs, also because of the excellent teamwork. In the spring, I was not always satisfied with my sprint. I have put a lot of work into it in recent weeks. It gives a good feeling when it pays off immediately," van Aert added.

He will have more opportunities in the coming days to lead the race, as the high mountains come only in the final weekend. "The upcoming stages suit me, so we'll see how far I can get. It's not a given, because the course is difficult every day. Today confirmed that we are on the right track concerning our Tour preparation. Hopefully we can continue that line in the coming days," he said.

As for the possibility of fighting for the overall classification, the Belgian champion was clear on his intentions: "Hopefully, I can keep the leader's jersey for a few days and then hand it over to Primoz."