Mikkel Bjerg has claimed his first major professional victory of his career in the individual time trial of the Criterium du Dauphine on Wednesday.
The Danish rider completed the 31.1 kilometer course faster than Jonas Vinegaard and Remi Cavagna. Bjerg also took over the leader’s jersey from Christophe Laporte.
“I worked hard for this first professional victory. It’s a relief to finally win,” said Bjerg. “I felt like I had so many chances to do it and I didn’t live up to my own expectations. This morning, I still doubted myself, I thought the course was too hard but every one was reassuring me. I wanted to go hard on the first climb but not above my limit. I did the descent as good as I could without taking too many risks. Then I just powered home.”
“I texted my coach yesterday, saying that I wanted to go for the jersey and the stage. I had nothing to lose, I gave everything and I’m so happy I did it. I will ask my mechanicians to make everything yellow on my bike! But I’m here to work for Adam Yates and that’s what I’m going to focus on. We have big ambitions for the week-end. And I’m sure Tadej [Pogacar] is watching. He can see I’m ready to help him in the Tour!”
