In the stage to Lyon, the pace was high from the start in Clermont-Ferrand. The teams with ambitions for the green jersey controlled the stage. Team Jumbo-Visma rode attentively in the front of the peloton all day and kept Roglic out of the fuss.

“I thought and I had hoped the stage would be a lot easier today”, Roglic said. “It was full throttle from the start due to the work of Bora and CCC. It’s true that we didn’t have to pull, but we still had to stay focused and we had to keep riding in the front. Especially in the technical final. The team was very strong again. It was incredible what the boys did and how quickly they responded to Bernal’s attack. The Tour is the Tour and anything can happen every day. We cannot falter.”

Wout van Aert concurred. “It was a tough final with many obstacles. It was very hectic, but you know to expect that with a finish in a city like Lyon. It was important to stay sharp and focused all day and to try and stay in the front. It was all hands on deck for the team. We would punch ourselves in the head if we were in twentieth position when Bernal attacked. The team responded well to that situation. As a team, we have to stay on top of our game every day. After all, you never know when someone will attack. Just look at Bernal. We did not expect him to attack, but he is a winner who will not give up and tries to take every opportunity. We are happy that Primoz got through the stage unscathed and without time loss.”

Tomorrow’s stage finishes on top of the Grand Colombier. A stage that the team and Roglic know very well. The final of the stage is identical to the final stage won by Roglic in the Tour de l’Ain. “Tomorrow will be a good challenge for us”, Roglic said. “The team is strong and we have to keep doing what we always do.”