Wout van Aert: "There is no shame in losing narrowly to the world champion"

Wout van Aert missed out on the win very narrowly for a second day in a road, however he came off satisfied from the day as he extended the race lead and a strong performance that confirm he's on the right way towards the Tour de France.

“I am satisfied with this result. A time trial is usually a correct reflection of the balance of power. The gap is small, but Filippo deserved to win today. There is no shame in losing narrowly to the world champion," he told reporters after finishing the stage. He briefly seemed to be in command on the day and heading towards the win, however a little bit of rain had him loose his first time in the intermediate points that followed the first.

"I probably lost some ground after the second intermediate point. I think I fought back strongly after that, but unfortunately I just fall short," he detailed. In what was a very tight battle, he arrived at the finish with a time only two seconds slower than Filippo Ganna. He now sits in the lead of the race with 53 seconds over Mattia Cattaneo.

"I am satisfied with the form I have. So far I am very happy with the Dauphiné that I race. I was able to participate every day for the stage win. I hope to do the same in the next few days and to hold on to the yellow leader's jersey," he concluded. He will have two more opportunities to grab stage wins now in the following days before eyeing the mountain stages where his role is likely to be undecided after such a commanding lead.