Oliver Naesen: «That was the goal for the week.»
«We knew it would be a difficult and decisive stage. For me, it was the goal of the week. Since the first stage, a lot of bonus points had been awarded, and we hadn't been lucky. So we had to play an important card.
Second in the stage, second overall, it almost worked out, but there is still great satisfaction because the whole team raced well and the group performed very well, with Damien finishing in the top 10.
Tomorrow, there are still opportunities, but it will not be easy because it will come down to the bonus points and we cannot afford to make any mistakes.
At Paris-Roubaix, I was in great shape but I was unlucky. Here, I'm back on form, my legs are good and that's great for the rest of the season.
The figure
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On the eve of the final stage, Oliver Naesen is second in the overall standings, 4 seconds behind leader Philippe Gilbert.
Damien Touzé, seventh in the stage, is tenth overall.
The information
Giro d'Italia: a short and demanding time trial
At the end of the second stage of the Giro d'Italia, a short and demanding time trial in Budapest, Andrea Vendrame dropped to 35th place in the overall standings.
«We didn't have time to admire the buildings in Budapest. It was tough and intense. It allows us to get started gradually before arriving in Italy, where the Giro will really kick off for the AG2R CITROËN team,» says Nans Peters.
