Davide Formolo (Cannondale):

"Rigoberto was at altitude just before the Tour de Romandie. It was a tough day for us but the Giro is still long and so I’m sure he’ll come good later and show it on some stages."

Domenico Pozzovivo (AG2R-La Mondiale):

"There was a strong headwind all stage and that’s why the stage was kind of blocked all day. The climb doesn’t allow for a big selection but then it kicked off. Dumoulin looked good and it was really hard for me to get across to him.

"In a more suitable finish, I could have done better. More than this was difficult because there was a nice piece of flats four kilometers from the finish. I think I played it well tactically. In the sprint I was certainly not one of the favorites among those in front, but I am happy to have gained a bit of ground on the other favorites."

Marc Reef (Giant-Alpecin, director):

"It was a really tough day. I think we did a good job with the team. We controlled [the race] in the beginning and that was not too hard. Movistar did a very fast descent but it all came back together. We took control again, when five guys were in the lead. The gap was pretty big and other teams had to come to help, to take the stage.

"I think in the end, on the climb, we had four guys there to protect Tom, to do the chase. Tom was so strong, and that I didn’t expect.

"From Astana and Movistar, they are also fighting for GC, so we could expect something from them. But we stayed calm. Thomas Ludvigsson was still in the group and we stayed calm, they made a tempo, the gap wasn’t growing anymore, so everything was still under control.

"We expected more attacks, but after Nibali attacked, Tom felt that the moment was there, and he made an attack. In the end, he came back to Fuglsang and was fourth. It was a great result for the day and to keep the pink jersey."