Trek-Segafredo

"I am happy with how I rode and the decisions I took, but I am disappointed not to win. because that was the goal this morning."

"Some riders took a free ride, so I decided to wait for the hardest part of the climb with 300m to go. I went for it, and I came close back to a few riders, but it wasn't quite enough."

"Unfortunately there were a few from EF and FDJ, and I was going for the win, not to place, so I was not going to pull them to the line. Then it was just gambling. Brunel got away as we were looking at each other, and I didn't think he would make it with the climb at the end."

Kirsch: "I love crosswinds, and even more, I love a finish like that. The last 10k were very tactical, and a few teams were better represented than us. Matteo and I agreed to take turns covering the attacks; I followed a really good move with ~5kms to go. (continued in thread)

#etoiledebesseges If you missed this race, it was incredible, non-stop action with the x-winds. @alexkirsch92 was incredible all race - always in the front. In the end, he was thwarted by a late attack. He may have missed out on top 3, but watch out for him this week!

#etoiledebesseges A late attack by Brunel (Groupama FDJ) and he holds off for the win. @alexkirsch92 crosses the line in 4th place. What a crazy finish with cars, motos and catching dropped riders....

#etoiledebesseges The bunch has crossed the finish for the 1st time and is on the local lap. Now 5kms remain. Does @moschettiteo have the legs to make it 3 wins in a row? With @alexkirsch92 helping....we hope so!

#etoiledebesseges 10kms Gap to the next group is around 1 minute. @moschettiteo and @alexkirsch92 still looking good in the front group that numbers 28 now. The winds continue to keep everyone on edge.

#etoiledebesseges @QuinnSimmons9 after being part of the front group, has now fallen to the 2nd group. Tough racing conditions today!!

#etoiledebesseges It's been a stressful race! The winds continue to blow things apart. The good news is after the earlier regrouping, @moschettiteo made it back to the front. @alexkirsch92 is taking good care of him as the front numbers around 30 riders at most. 30K

#etoiledebesseges Calm has restored and the front group numbers around 50. The report is that @moschettiteo has not made it back.

#etoiledebesseges The 2nd group has made contact making for around 30-40 riders now. We are not sure if we have another rider there. 70kms remain.

Make that only 20 in the front! The race has shattered. 75kms #etoiledebesseges2020

#etoiledebesseges2020 80kms Breakaway has been caught and the winds have created echelons - everything is in groups. There are around 40 riders in the front, we have spotted two there. @alexkirsch92 and @QuinnSimmons9 as well!