Brilliant sprint train secures third stage victory for Philipsen: "They have a lot of experience and are the best in this field"

After many tough days in the high mountains and a time trial, Philipsen had to wait almost two weeks for another chance in the Vuelta. He knew it would be difficult: the finish seemed perfect for green jersey Mads Pedersen. “It was a very tough finish,” said Philipsen in the flash interview. “After eleven days of not going all out, it really hurts.”

While other teams were already 10 kilometers ahead, Alpecin-Deceuninck kept their legs still for a long time: it was only in the last kilometer that the Belgian team took the lead. It turned out to be the perfect move. “We knew how it would be; the last 250 meters would be a bit flatter. The team timed it perfectly in the last kilometer. After that, it was full speed to the line.”

Philipsen not only showed that he is the fastest man in the race, but also that he has the best sprint train in Spain. Jonas Rickaert and Edward Planckaert, in particular, did an excellent job. "Of course, it was all about teamwork. The whole team was very strong throughout the Vuelta, and Jonas and Edward were excellent. I had a hard time on the wheel, but I saw the finish line and pushed through. It all worked out in the end."

One more mountain stage, then the final stage in Madrid will be another excellent opportunity. Philipsen could win his fourth stage of this Vuelta edition, and his seventh overall. “With this team, we're trying to keep the winning flow going. They have a lot of experience and are the best in this field. We'll try to repeat it on Sunday, the last day. I'm looking forward to it, because it's been three difficult weeks.”

Planckaert was the last man before Philipsen. As usual, he did an excellent job: he launched his leader about 150 meters from the finish line. Alpecin-Deceuninck is on a roll, with everyone going through fire for each other. "We just had to trust each other. It's a dream to be behind Jonas; we do everything we can. When it works out like this, it's perfect."

As a sprinter, it's not always easy to get through the mountains, both physically and mentally. You have to keep believing that it's worth that one chance. "It means a lot," Planckaert knows. "We were really looking forward to this day, even though we knew it would be a tough sprint. It all worked out, it was perfect."