Quotes

Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck): “At one moment yes we were riding for the Yellow [Jersey] both of us, so then you think about that for sure. But in the beginning of the week no [she didn’t consider it possible]. This team is really professional. We went to altitude camp together, with the food and all the little things we work on, all the little details, there is no separation with the men’s and the women’s teams. Both are equal and we take the good stuff from them. Also they take stuff from us. I think that makes a really big difference....

Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime): “It feels very sour that I lost by just four seconds. Because before the Yellow Jersey was very secure on my shoulders, but then the stupid crash was there and I lost it actually there. It’s really painful to know now that it was not enough today. Normally I would also be able to do it, but today I had a lot of pain in my back. It was a big fight against myself on Alpe d’Huez. I tried to fight with everything I had. I know that we have an event in Holland and there are a lot of people fighting every year for a good charity...

Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM Racing): “That was a real rollercoaster of emotions. On the descent [of the Glandon] I was able to rebuild myself, refresh and I was so lucky to have Lucinda Brand there, so I think we also have to say a big thanks to Lidl – Trek because they did a great job for us. On Alpe d’Huez I knew that I just had to pace myself right, so that I could give my best in the last 5 km, so that I could minimise the gap as much as possible. To be honest I lost the faith again. In the radio they were screaming so much in the last 2 km and to...

Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck): “Actually I was always up there in the front and I think also with the team we were always in control a lot of the time so I’m quite happy about today. Shirin and I finished on the same time again today, so tomorrow for sure she will be trying to make some moves. So I’ll try to follow even attack myself. [Alpe d’Huez] It’s the Dutch mountain so I’ve been there on holiday as a kid, I’ve been there two weeks ago to check it out a bit. So, I just know that it is a really, really hard climb and I think...

Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon//SRAM Racing): "Definitely, it was a very good day for us. We rode a perfect race. I was getting a lot of support from my team which allowed me to save energy for the final. Of course it was super long and very challenging from the start so I'm very happy how the legs felt in the final and yes, we didn’t lose anything, we're still up there. 24 hours to go! [Did she attack to try and drop Demi Vollering or to gain some time over the other riders?] Both to be honest. Tomorrow it's going to be a very important day in my career and in my team’s...