“I’m very proud on achieving my first World Tour podium in a one day race today. I was less than a bike length away from the victory, but I have no regrets. I tried my utmost best and I am satisfied with this fantastic performance. On the climbs I each time had to dig quite deep to follow the strongest riders. After the last ascent of Challambra I fully focused on the sprint, in case Biniam Girmay would return in the leading group and also because the rather downhill final was not favourable for attacks. In the end our group stayed ahead and I managed to position well in the final straight, until it bubbled up with 750 meter to go. I chose for the right side of the road and launched this downhill sprint from far. This third place is a nice way to conclude our trip to Australia after Biniam’s victory in the Surf Coast Classic and my twelfth place in the final classification of the Tour Down Under. I felt strong and enjoyed our excellent teamspirit for four weeks, we all worked hard with the same goal in mind. So I’m looking to the European classics with confidence.”
