On Saturday, Kobe Goossens attacked the Tour de Romandie for the second stage in a row. That had a reason, because the Belgian had set his sights on the mountain jersey. “There was a clear plan to join the breakout.”
“I certainly did not receive the mountain jersey as a gift on the way, I had to fight for every point. Matthew Holmes as an extra teammate in the breakaway was of course also an additional asset”, says Goossens.
The 25-year-old Goossens is proud of his achievement. “This mountain jersey is my first leader’s jersey in a professional race, and then immediately one at WorldTour level, which makes it very special.”
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Like his colleagues, Goossens suffered in the rainy weather in Switzerland. “The weather conditions and the long climbs made for a very tough stage. It has to be one of the most epic days on the bike I’ve completed in my career.”
“I didn’t feel great all day and at the foot of the final climb I immediately chose my own pace. The bobijntje was a bit finished and I had little illusions about a possible stage victory.”
“With the weather conditions and the course of the past days, nobody was really fresh anymore. On Sunday there is the final time trial, where I only have to finish to secure the mountain jersey. Depending on the feeling, I will or will not go for the last time. After that, the focus will be completely on the Giro. “
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