"I'm happy because the team rode a great race. My aim was to be in the breakaway, but then Lenny Martinez was too strong on the Colla Micheri climb. So I did my best and I'm satisfied with my result. On the last climb, I made a big effort to catch up with the chasing group, because I knew I was the fastest of the four riders to play for second place. I put in a very strong sprint, starting from a long way back with the wind against me. This bodes well for the Strade Bianche on Saturday.