"It was a day full emotions, I was proud to represent the team in the front to start the Tour. After two years of absence, I had goosebumps to race in front of such a crowd. With a maximal advantage of two minutes, the hopes for a stage victory were excluded. We had to enjoy and show our intentions from the first day. We want to race aggressively in this Tour."
"I took a shot on the polkadot jersey by sprinting for the five points on top of the Côte de Vivero. I knew the road continued uphill for 300 meter, so I was surprised when I saw that the line was positioned earlier. There was no room to pass Powless. It is a pity to miss the jersey with such a small margin because I had the legs to do it. But I remember the positives about this day, it was only the first stage and my feeling is excellent. I stayed for a long time with Louis Meintjes to help him accompanying the favourites as long as possible."
"We thought it was important to take a good start in this Tour de France and that this first stage was a good opportunity. Our group was sharp from the start, with Lilian Calmejane in the breakaway. Unfortunately, the leading group didn't receive a lot of freedom. Afterwards, we wanted to survive with as many men as possible in support of Biniam Girmay, Louis Meintjes and Georg Zimmermann. It is of course a pity that Georg finished so close to the KOM jersey, but I remember that we were in the mix and that the group races actively. All riders reached the finish line without any problems and Louis Meintjes managed to limit the time loss in the explosive final."
