“The intensity was high,” Roglic said. “It was good to race like this given the upcoming weeks in the Tour. It seemed like every man battling for survival. I took part in that by climbing the last climb full-gas. Credit to both attackers for remaining out of our reach.” 

“Today, a strong rider won,” Sports Director Merijn Zeeman said. “We have done everything we could to get him back, but he stayed ahead with about 20 seconds. Primoz went all in on the last climb, but we came up short to keep the leader’s jersey."

“It has not been such an open race in years. Normally this is a controlled stage race, but that was not the case today." 

“Right from the start, a group of 40 riders took off with four of our guys in the group. That was a good scenario for us. After that, seven men took the lead and we began to control the race." 

“On the Cote d’Annette, we lit the fire with Timo and Primoz. We came back at the front of the race. The two guys took off then. With the guys from the sprint train, we rode a very strong stage but we came up short in the end.” 

“Tomorrow, I expect a bunch sprint and the GC to stay as it is now. Primoz remains second, but rode a good race here. Primoz’s final day of racing then he needs to take a good rest towards the start of the Tour de France.”