"We took it easy here”, Laporte laughs when asked about the celebrations upon returning to France after winning the European title. "But with the French team, we celebrated the victory. That was very special. Everyone was thrilled; you could see that at the podium ceremony.

The 30-year-old Frenchman secured victory on the Col du VAM last week, ahead of team-mates Wout van Aert and Olav Kooij. It was a remarkable 1-2-3 for Team Jumbo-Visma, even though the riders represented their national teams at the European Championships. "For me, it was the first time I had won a champion's jersey”, Laporte says. "I have never ridden in a jersey other than my team's. I'm looking forward to riding in the champion’s jersey. I don't want to know what else the team has prepared regarding bikes or other equipment. I like to be surprised the day before the race."

That race is the Famenne Ardenne Classic in Belgium. Laporte is making his debut there and is motivated to make an impact. "I think it's quite a challenging race, a bit like Binche-Chimay-Binche. I won it at the end of last season, so I am hoping for a similar race. I'm ready to get to know this race, and I think I can do well in my current form.”

The European champion will then race the Münsterland Giro and Paris-Tours. The latter, in particular, should suit him well. "There are still three races where I can show off my new jersey, and I'm motivated to do so. The Tour of Munster will probably end in a bunch sprint. Paris-Tours is a race that suits me, and I can show myself in my own country again. After that, it's probably time to truly celebrate the European title”, he winks.