Jurgen looks back on his Tour Back to news items

After three weeks Tour de France, months of meticulous preparations and years of upper most dedication Jurgen Van den Broeck finishes as fourth in the biggest stage race in the world. Started with ‘the best possible result' as goal that fourth place is more than deserved.

Jurgen Van den Broeck: "When you see where we stood at the first rest day, after the bad luck on La Planche des Belles Filles and a bad time trial, I think I can be very satisfied with the result. I didn't doubt, because I knew that in the Tour something happens every day. At that point we knew a fifth or sixth place would be brilliant; I finish just next to the podium, but in the top five, and I have achieved that result by making the race and attacking. Two years ago I had to limit myself to following, now I set a new step in my development. This is more beautiful than then, because I'm one place higher in the GC and have made the race."

"That I have never panicked, is definitely a step forward with regard to the past. Mental coaching makes that I have adapted my way of thinking, have become calmer, and of course I enjoy the fruits of it. Negative energy doesn't yield anything, keeping to recall things that went wrong, doesn't help you during the Tour."

"This year I climbed with the best, but the time trial stays something to work on; that is a work of years. The time trialling will never be super, that ‘s my nature, but I should be able to control the damage as much as possible. That I once became world champion time trial with the juniors doesn't play a role in it. I have always said that everyone starts from scratch with the pros."

"Next to that I could hide myself better in the peloton this year, ride much less with my nose in the wind. Guys like Bak and Hansen lead me each time in a favourable position, behind their back I feel very comfortable. They don't give themselves 100, but 120 percent. We came to the Tour with a very strong team, that has functioned perfectly. When you see how Greipel on the Tourmalet went to pick up water bottles for us and drove past the whole peloton to bring them, that was great class. This was an ideal group; the men kept smiling, have always kept believing in it. But the strength of the team, is more than the strength of the riders."

"Normally in a few weeks follows the Vuelta. I now don't have the feeling I'm exhausted, but that can be different in a few days. I see the Vuelta as an ideal closing of the season. We'll see what it brings. I can't prepare it the same way as the Tour; If stage win can be a goal, will show during the race. I even think the world championship could be something for me. I'd like to be part of the team. If I leave the Vuelta well, why not? There aren't so many riders that can really cope with that course."

"This week I ride the criteriums of Sint-Niklaas and Herentals. Two years ago I rode many, but this year I want to limit it; I have learned that spending time with my family is also important. The last months I have been away from home so much, have sacrificed so much for cycling; eating, drinking, resting, always be focused. My mission is accomplished, my crash of last year has learned me to enjoy the Tour. When you see how much the Tour de France calls up in so many families, that really is fantastic. And enjoying causes a more relaxed feeling."

"A few years ago I had never thought I could do this once, let alone two times. A podium place in the Tour would really accomplish my career. The next Tour indeed is already in my head. I also hear the rumors there should be more climbing. But I will never keep on racing till I'm forty like Jens Voigt does."