The day before the rest day, the peloton faced a transition stage. After another fast opening phase, the yellow and black formation took control of the peloton. "You never know how a stage like today will go”, Kuss said. "It was a tough race from the start. A lot of riders wanted to be in the lead group, but it didn't happen right away. Even some of the GC contenders tried to get into the breakaway. We didn't let that happen. All in all, apart from the hectic opening hour, I had a quiet day.”

"Every day, we get a step closer to our ultimate goal. But as with any grand tour, the third week is crucial. We have to stay focused. It is nice to be the leader going into the second rest day. The region we head to in the final week is known for its steep hills and challenging roads. We will undoubtedly be attacked, but we will be ready. I'm looking forward to it”, Kuss said.