The reactions of the winner of the 2021 edition, the winner of the last stage and the best French in the general classification.
Tadej Pogacar (SLO / UAE, winner of the Tour de France 2021):
“I’ve already won the Tour de France, and last year I didn’t know how to tackle the biggest race in the world. This year I am better prepared. I thank the French spectators, all cycling fans around the world, it was an incredible feeling, crazy sensations. Coming back after the success of last year has been an incredible adventure. I can’t find the words to describe my happiness to be part of this team (UAE), this family. They have been by my side every day. Thank you all, it’s been a difficult year with the Covid and I hope we can come back without a mask next year. Thanks to the organizers too, we were able to ride and compete and we are in good health. I cannot forget my family, my partner, my friends who have all encouraged me. ”
Van Aert wants to come back “for the green jersey”
Wout van Aert (BEL / Jumbo), winner on the Champs-Elysées: “It’s incredible, it’s unique to win three stages. This victory was difficult to conquer, it is a historic stage on the Tour. The week will go by quickly until the Olympics, but first I will take advantage of this extraordinary weekend. I will try to win the road race and the stopwatch, but it will be difficult. I’m just a little cyclist compared to Eddy Merckx, he’s won just about every cycling race out there! I want to come back to the Tour one day to win the green jersey. But for this year, the Tour is over, I’m not thinking about the next one yet! ”
Guillaume Martin congratulates himself on his “offensive cycling”
Guillaume Martin (FRA / Cofidis), 8th and first Frenchman in the general classification: “Today it is really satisfaction that dominates. The initial objective was to win the stage, but I don’t think we can be disappointed with an 8th place overall. Of course, it’s been a long time since Cofidis won a stage, but it’s been even longer since the team had a rider in that place overall. It’s my fifth Tour de France and every year I’ve managed to improve my place in the general standings. I did offensive cycling, as I like to do, being present in the breakaways. ”
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