Victor Lafay (Cofidis) in an official interview:
"I didn't worry about whether it would work. I just gave it a go and gave it my all. Yesterday I wasn't able to beat the big names - the fact that I managed to do that today is a huge relief for me. To see how competitive I am is incredible. I realised that Jumbo-Visma did a lot of work today and that they would probably be tired chasing me down in the last kilometre. I waited for the moment when the group slowed down and went off the back to take advantage of the slipstream. The group then hesitated a bit, as I wasn't riding for the overall classification, but only for the stage."
Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) at LeTour:
"The plan was to get the bonus seconds and win the stage. We didn't win, but it's still a good day - except for Matteo Trentin's crash. I hope he's okay. Now we'll take it easy over the next two days. We're in a perfect situation at the moment. After yesterday's stage it was clear what we would have to do today: defend the yellow jersey and make up a few seconds on our rivals. My wrist hurts a bit after all the sprints today, but it's getting better day by day. Today's stage was a bit bumpy and technical, with lots of bumps, bends and potholes. Even though it hurts a bit now, it feels better every day, so no problem."
Buchmann: "Confirmation that the form is quite good"
Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates) in an official interview:
"It was a hectic day, with a lot of stress in the peloton, also with the wet roads. But we got through. However, we were a bit unlucky with Matteo (Trentin, editor's note) crashing in a corner. Nevertheless, it was a good race for us, we controlled the day, but nobody wanted to help us. In the finale I helped Tadej (Pogacar, editor's note) for the bonus seconds. Whether I kept yellow today depended on the bonus seconds. If Tadej (Pogacar, editor's note) had won the bonus seconds and the stage, he would probably have beaten me. We'll certainly have to keep an eye on the coming days. Tomorrow's stage looks a bit easier, but you never know in the Tour de France - every day is hard."
Emanuel Buchmann (Bora-hansgrohe) on ARD:
"Today was another stressful day. It rained in between, the roads were wet. It was up and down again with lots of passing through towns, but we got through all right. During my attack I looked to see if anyone would react. But then Wilco Kelderman followed right behind, but you can always try. It went quite well again. I was back with Jai (Hindley, editor's note) in the decisive mountains today and did a pretty good job. But he didn't need much help. It was a good start. Today was confirmation that my form is quite good. I'm confident for the rest of the Tour. Tomorrow will be easier in terms of the profile, but it won't be completely relaxed either."
Cavendish: "The Basque fans are unbelievable"
Rafael Majka (UAE Team Emirates) on Eurosport:
"Our goal on the last climb was to get the bonus seconds for Tadej (Pogacar, editor's note). The climb wasn't ideal as it's not steep enough to make a big difference, but we tried our best and set a hard pace. The bonus seconds are important for us. But we also lost a few riders on the road today, also due to Matteo's (Trentin, editor's note) crash. Tomorrow is a flat stage, hopefully it will be easier."
Mark Cavendish (Astana) on Eurosport:
"I never thought I'd be riding in the Basque Country. But it's an incredible feeling. You always experience the Basque fans in the Pyrenees, they are incredible. I love it and I've soaked them all up, especially as it's my last Grand Depart in the Tour de France. The Basque fans are not for one rider, but for the whole race, they cheer everyone on. It's like a party. But it's been a tough few days. Hopefully there will be a sprint tomorrow."
Neilson Powless (EF Education-Easypost), winner of the mountain jersey, at LeTour:
"Everything went according to plan. We wanted to go in the breakaway, either with me or one of my team-mates. In the end it was me and the breakaway was a bit too small, which cost me more energy than I would have liked. When the road was wet, we hoped to make it to the finish, but we were at the limit. When I reached the climb to Jaizkibel, the only thing I could do was hope for the best. But I would have needed an extra minute to keep the group at bay. It just wasn't meant to be today. I have a narrow lead in the mountain classification. If I miss an escape group in the mountains, it could be gone. Besides, we're still a long way from Paris. But it's very nice to be at the front, I'm already in love with this jersey. We'll see how long I can wear it."
