"I couldn't believe it, I had two more to go. I didn't think I could go today because I was really doubtful. I was on full throttle in the last few hundred meters. Words can't describe it.

"I always had my doubts because my opponent was so close. In the last two stages, I had an image of how close I was, and it was only in the last kilometer that I was sure I could make it. It's my first win as a pro, and in the Tour ...... It couldn't be better, it's like a dream. I feel incredible.

"It gave me a lot of confidence, otherwise I wouldn't have attacked alone. I didn't think I could make the podium three times in a row.

"I'm very grateful. It's my first professional win. I didn't believe I could win a stage here [in the Tour de France]. Just to start here is a dream come true, but now I have a win and two podiums." (ASO)

"Marc Hirsch was unbeatable today. We had a plan for (Peter) Sagan, me and Leonard (Kemna) to go on the attack, but it was too difficult. Nobody could do anything today. Hirschi was stronger than anyone else." (RAI)

"If I had tried for more stage wins, I would have been disappointed. I did my best, but Marc Hirschi was the strongest today."(RAI)

"I did my best, but Hirschi was too strong. But tomorrow we will try again." (Dečuninck-Quick Step)

"It might not have been the easiest (stage). I expected a breakaway group to form quickly at the beginning, but the other team riders pulled strong. I don't think today was another rest day.

"I think today was a good warm-up. Tomorrow will be a harder stage.

"I hope the whole team can keep riding like this. Tomorrow we have a new challenge ahead of us." (ASO)

"It was a long stage, over 200km. There was a lot of stress because we were looking for time bonuses. After the break I finally regained my composure."

"I think tomorrow I will really feel it in my legs. It's a hard stage with steep climbs, which will affect the GC." (RAI)

"In the end there was no GC fight, but I was thinking all day about the bonus seconds on the final climb. In the end the breakaway group took the time, but it was a really hard day.

"Bora [Hansgrohe] was pulling Sagan hard for the green jersey. It was a really hard day and I'm sure tomorrow he will feel it in his legs. I saw the stage on a reconnaissance for tomorrow. The last 2km are really steep and hard. We need to arrive there as fresh as possible and give it our best. (NBC) [27].