After the first week of the Tour de France Robert Gesink is a happy man. "I had dreamed about being in this position after the first week. We made itand for myself it is now all a bit more exciting," the leader of LottoNL-Jumbo told NOS.

Gesink is in a fine fifteenth place in the general classification, 2:52 behind Chris Froome. "The stage to Neeltje Jans was a disappointment for me and the result of the team time trial was not so good but for the rest we have come well through the week."

Apart from his performance, Gesink has impressed with his positive attitude.

"It is very positive and nice to see. People who know me well know that this is how I am. In the Tour I have not always been the person I want to be. Now the conditions are good so I have a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere."

Attacks is not necessarily needed, says Gesink. 

"If I am riding as well as I hope, then I will occasionally have to attack but I hope to do it in the Gesink way: To hang on and then do something extra on a very good day."

What are the ambitions for the next two weeks? "Actually the same as before:. The top ten in Paris. Considering where I come from and what's happened, I think that will be a very good performance.".