Jan Bakelants was not far from the first victory in the AG2R La Mondiale jersey in the 8th stage of the Tour of Switzerland in Bern. The Belgian finished second behind Kazakh Alexey Lutsenko. 

"It was the last day that I could try something," he told Sporza. "I felt good, but I must be honest, Lutsenko was even stronger. I especially remember that my condition is good. It's just a shame that the icing on the cake - a victory - was lacking. It has now been a year since I've won."

Yet he saw his performance as a boost for a possible Tour de Franceparticipation. He is not among the first seven riders selected for the race. "But I think the Tour is on my program. It's not yet confirmed," he said.

Stéphane Goubert who leads the team in this event alondgside Arturas Kasputis, reflects on the day.

"He is obviously disappointed to be so close to victory, but honestly he was up against a stronger rider. He was on his limit at the end and could not take any turns. Jan finishes this Tour of Switzerland in perfect condition and he has been a valuable teammate for Domenico Pozzovivo while also playing his card when he has had the opportunity. Now we go into the final time trial where we will aim for the podium [with Pozzovivo who is fourth overall]."

Apparently, Switzerland is ideal for Bakelandts. Indeed, he also finished second in the 4th stage of the 2014 Tour de Romandie.