After points-now also the polka dot jersey for Van Aert: "It was going to be a tough day anyway"

"Even this morning, I wasn't interested in the polka dot jersey, but then I saw Kaden Groves slide along in the breakaway. He's still a competitor for the points jersey, so I decided to move over," Van Aert explained. "Once in the front, I knew it would be a tough day anyway."

"So I decided just to grab everything along the way," the Belgian laughed. "In the Tour, I've been close to wearing the polka dot jersey before, and I regret never trying. Now, it was a good day, so I'm very proud that I can wear it."

For the stage win, he didn't compete in the end. "I never believed in it, especially with riders like Jay Vine, Brandon McNulty, and Michael Woods in the breakaway. They are simply much better on steep climbs like this."

"In the process, I was too focused on what was already there to pick up along the way and wasted a lot of energy to join in on the second-to-last climb. I can keep up well when it's not too steep uphill. But when it gets steep, I have no chance," Van Aert pointed out.

Saturday a stage like this awaits with not too steep climbs. "It's a good chance, so I'm going to try. We'll see what's possible."