"The final climb was ridden as a time trial, so high was the rhythm from the bottom to the top. From the first days in the Basque Country the level is exceptionally high. But now all riders start to feel the fatigue, I climb in the classification and again won a couple of positions in this ninth stage. In general, I'm satisfied about my performance during the first week. It is probably the first time I start the first rest day in such a good position. It is positive because I am not far away from the top ten, but on the other hand it won't be easy to plan an attack. The goal is to improve this position during the next two weeks. The game for the top ten will now truly start. The hardest stages still have to come and it will be a tactical battle."
