Question: Everything went as planned in the end...
Answer: "The sprint went a bit as I expected but if I could do it again I would place better. It wasn't ideal and I got stuck a few times. I also had to go around the peloton to find my position. In the end, I stayed calm as long as possible and I launched my sprint at the perfect moment. (...) I no longer had enough energy to raise my arms. It's a typical finish where it hurts a lot to sprint after a final climb. But I'm really happy to have won. Girmay has already shown in Ghent-Wevelgem that he is a very strong rider, and still today. He knows also very well placed, so I think he will respond in the future, that's for sure."
Q: How hard is it to win when you're expected?
A: "Yes, it's difficult, but I've been in this situation a lot of times now so you get used to it. I was really, really relaxed before the race, unlike the Tour de France "Last year I was very nervous. It was my first Grand Tour too. Today I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So I'm very happy that I managed to win."
Q: What is the flavor of this pink jersey compared to yellow?
A: "I think the yellow was more emotional because of the family history. I'm talking about my grandfather's (Raymond Poulidor) with the Tour de France obviously (He was on the final podium eight times without ever wearing the yellow jersey, editor's note) (the pink jersey) had already been a goal for a long time, of course. But a few months ago, the idea really started to germinate to do the Giro because the first stage really suited me. And it's crazy today, I succeeded."
Statements taken at a press conference
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