The expected ‘echolon stage' proved not very spectacular due to the weather conditions, though it was a nervous race. Team Jumbo-Visma kept leaders Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic and Van Aert well in front the entire stage. "I expected a bit more action, but in the end, it wasn't that bad. A Tour stage is always hectic, so you constantly had to be alert”, said Van Aert.

The Danish spectators, numerous along the route, saw Van Aert sprint to second place in the streets of Nyborg, behind stage winner Fabio Jakobsen. "I have seen a very strong team, with which we were always in front. Christophe Laporte did a great job for me at the intermediate and the final sprint. Also, on the bridge and in the race to the last kilometres, we were always well positioned."

Van Aert also wore the maillot Jaune in Paris-Nice, the Dauphiné and is now allowed to wear it in the Tour de France. "Putting on the jersey gives a great feeling. I have been close to it many times, but this time I managed. Despite my two second places in the past stages, the yellow jersey is a nice reward. I will defend and wear this jersey with pride. In any case, there are still many chances for a stage victory to come."

The Fleming had nice words for stage winner Jakobsen. "I respect him a lot. We all know what happened, which makes this even more exciting. He's also a very nice guy; he deserved this victory."