Florian, second overall in GC and the white jersey—was this what you could have ever expected coming into the race?
Florian: Coming into the race, I had higher expectations of myself than I did last year, but I never imagined standing on the final podium. My goal was to fight for a top ten in GC, and I was focused on taking things day by day. But as the race went on, I kept feeling better, and the team did an incredible job supporting me, both on and off the road. So to finish second overall is something really special.
At what point did you start to believe that a podium finish was possible?
Florian: I knew the final weekend would be really tough, but after Saturday’s stage, I realised I had the legs to stay with the best. That’s when I thought, okay, if I can do the same tomorrow, I can finish on the podium. Sunday was full gas racing, but I managed to hold on, and when I crossed the line in Nice, it was pure relief.
The weather was relentless all week. How did you handle those conditions?
Florian: Yeah, it was a tough week for everyone. The wind, the rain, the cold… it was brutal at times. But I think that’s where mentality plays a big role. Staying focused, making the right decisions in the crosswinds, and keeping the body fuelled well in those conditions are just as important as having good legs. The team kept me in the right places when it mattered, and that made a huge difference.
What does a result like this do for your confidence moving forward?
Florian: I’ve confirmed here that I can consistently perform at this level, that my performances last year weren’t only one-off. It gives me a lot of confidence heading into the next races for sure.
What’s one thing you’ll take away from this race for the future?
Florian: I know that I can handle the pressures of GC racing. I learned that I can manage it and still perform, both physically and psychologically. It’s not just about the legs - it’s about managing everything around it, staying calm, and performing when it counts. This week tested everyone in the peloton quite a lot, and I’m really happy with how I handled it.