“It must have been a special moment to pass Koppenberg in the lead on Sunday …
Yes. At the foot, I decided to accelerate because I see that there is a possibility of slightly anticipating the placement and of making the hill more with my train, rather than undergoing a big acceleration like that of Julian Alaphilippe. It saves a little strength. I was really in the race management, I was calculating the mountains that were left behind, and it’s a shame that our group of seven got caught up, we could have run differently. Then, it quickly went back to the front, they came out at a time when I didn’t think it was going to accelerate, like what, we are never sure of anything in this race.
Last year, you were new to racing, what differences have you noticed this season?
Last year, I didn’t have the same role, we were all disturbed by the fall of Niki (Terpstra). There was more acceleration, management of the tempo, where it went up slowly and then it accelerated hard, whereas this year, each mountain was climbed very quickly, so that created another race. I had to wait no longer, last year I had anticipated in the Kanarieberg and I had left feathers there for the future. It taught me to better manage my efforts, which is important in these races. These are races that suit me, so I want to keep getting involved.
“Whether it’s Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders, there are still races that really interest me”
Is La Panne an end-of-season bonus?
Yes, I always have at heart to end my seasons well, I know that I am in good condition, in addition they announce a strong wind, so I will try to apply myself until the end.
With good condition, is it even more annoying that there is no Paris-Roubaix on Sunday?
Yes, but that’s how it is. Afterwards, whether it’s Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders, there are still races that really interest me and I will always put my heart into them. “
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