Bernal proud to make history
The youngest winner in the post-war era and the first ever Colombian. We’re sure it must be a lot to take in.
“It’s one of the biggest things for us because it will be our first Tour de France,” Bernal said. “I received a lot of messages but to be honest, I have just talked with my family and with some friends. I’m very happy for me and really proud to to be in this position. I think that it hasn’t hit me yet.”
Bernal achieved the victory with the help from his team-mate and the 2018 winner Geraint Thomas. The Welshman admitted to being disappointed that he didn’t win, but was happy for Bernal.
“The way the team has been it’s just been incredible. And it couldn’t be a nicer guy to win. Egan is truly a genuinely nice, friendly, happy guy. A pleasure to ride with. And Christ, he’s only 22.”
Alaphilippe gave it his all
The Frenchman led the race for 14 days, but slipped off the podium in the final kilometres.
“I gave it my all. I think it was hard to do better,” Alaphilippe said. “I was expecting to explode at some point. But I still maintained well. I’m very proud of what my team-mate Enric Mas did for me, it was his job and he did it really well. Without him, I would have finished at a quarter of an hour I think. That’s my temperament. With me, it’s a bit all or nothing.”
Romain Bardet claims the polka dot jersey
Following Warren Barguil in 2017 and Alaphilippe last year, Bardet secured a consolation prize for the French nation.
“I dreamt of winning the polka dot jersey when I was young. It’s a nice satisfaction for me this time. It’s going to be my fifth time on stage on the Champs-Elysées for a different award in seven participations. It’s good to reinvent oneself. Things haven’t gone according to my expectations at this Tour but I’ll enjoy this trophy before thinking about what has not worked. We’re allowed to fail but we’re not allowed to not try and give it all.”
Sagan breaks the record
All he needed to do was finish. And he did. Congratulations, Peter, to your record-breaking seventh Škoda Green Jersey.
At the official ceremony, Alain Favey (on the right), Škoda AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing, presented Peter Sagan with the prize for the winner of the points classification. The trophy made of green crystal for the winner of the Green Jersey was created by Škoda Design.
