The past few months have been special for me, and for the whole team. From the Itzulia Basque Country to Romandie, and most recently at the Tour de Suisse, it feels like all the hard work is paying off. The Tour de Suisse was a big target, and to come away with the overall victory was an incredible moment. It wasn’t easy but that’s what makes it even more satisfying. These races demand so much from you, physically and mentally, but when everything clicks, it’s worth every bit of suffering.
The week in Switzerland was a real rollercoaster. It didn’t start perfectly, some of the GC guys took time early on but we stayed calm and trusted the plan. I knew there would be opportunities in the mountains, and when the moment came, I went for it. That long-range attack on Stage 4 wasn’t exactly planned, but in cycling, sometimes instinct takes over. I saw the opportunity and decided to make a move. From there it was full gas to the finish. To win solo like that with such a strong field was special and it gave me confidence for the rest of the week.
In the end, it all came down to the time trial, 17 kilometres of pure suffering. I knew it was going to decide everything, and honestly, I was nervous before the start. I just focused on my pacing, stayed in the moment, and did the best ride I could. Crossing the line and realising I’d won the overall GC was something really special. It’s not just about me; it’s the whole team that makes this possible. Without them, none of it happens.
That’s been the story all season. The team have been incredible, from the guys on the road to the staff behind the scenes. At races like Itzulia Basque Country, Marc Soler, Isaac Del Toro, and everyone have given everything for me. When you see your teammates suffering for you like that and riding themselves empty, it gives you that extra motivation to dig even deeper. Winning those races, winning for the whole squad is very satisfying.
But now, the focus shifts. The biggest race in the world is on the horizon, the Tour de France. Last year was my debut, and it was a real eye-opener. The intensity, the stress, and the demands, it’s on another level. But it also made me hungry for more. I’ve learned a lot since then, particularly how to manage energy, how to stay calm, how to be focused as much as possible from start to finish.
As a team, we’ve set some huge goals. Helping Tadej defend his title is the number one priority, and I’ll do everything I can to support him and the guys. The atmosphere in the squad is incredible. The entire group is locked in, fully motivated, and working towards the same objective. We’ve got real depth and quality across the team, and there’s a lot of trust between us. Being part of that gives me even more drive to give my absolute best.
We know how tough the route is this year, especially that final week with all the climbing. But we’ll prepare in detail, look at the key stages, and be ready to fight. The Tour is a race where every second counts, and staying consistent, especially in the mountains, will be crucial.
After July, there are still big goals ahead, possibly the Vuelta España, but right now, my full focus is on the Tour de France. We’ll see how I come out of the race, and then we’ll make a plan for the rest of the season.
One thing that means so much to all of us is the support we get from the UAE, everywhere we go we feel it. It pushes us to work harder, to suffer more, and to chase these big results. So, to everyone supporting us, thank you! We hear you, we feel your passion, and we’ll give everything at the Tour to make you proud.
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