“We are not all phenomena …”
We are approaching the end of the Tour de Türkiye. Already a small assessment: very good for your team?
Yes, that’s for sure! We are a super strong team here on the Tour of Türkiye. We knew how to manage the race, and if everything is going well, we will do 1st and 2nd general. I even managed to make my first top 5 on a pro race, during the second stage. As Malucelli had been released, I was given the authorization to play my card. A increase in climb, I liked it, I felt good throughout the week. And on the fourth step, I was able to help Wout Poels in the last climb.
Personally, this first top 5, does that give ambitions?
Yes, clearly. It’s always a pleasure. We are not all phenomena, so a top 10 or a top 5, it counts. Especially when you work for the team, you don’t often have the opportunity to aim for a personal result. The team is happy with my progress. Me too, I have been feeling it for 2-3 years, and I hope to continue like this.
-The Vuelta last year had to help. Is another big tour planned this season?
Yes, it is clear that the Vuelta made me pass a course. The team asked me to finish it, precisely for that.
This year, I do not yet know my program for the end of the season, but I hope to do like last year: an internship in July, then chain with the Tour de Burgos and La Vuelta.
And the big goal of the season, the maintenance in Worldtour: Is that well?
It’s going very well. With the Tour de Romandie that ends today, and this Turkey tour, if we end up as planned, I think we will come back within 700 points of the Picnic Postnl. When you think we were 4,700 points behind at the start of the season … it shows that we are on the right track!
