Wout Van Aert had to accept second place in the Tour de France for the second year in a row, but there was a silver lining to his defeat in Nyborg.

When he passed Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) just before the finish line, Van Aert was sure of victory, but Fabio Jacobsen (Quick Step-Alfavinir) overtook him and snatched victory.

"Right after the finish I was disappointed because I thought I had won, but Fabio passed me.

"I always wanted to win but soon realized I was second and took the yellow jersey. I was second again, but I have no reason to complain."

Van Aat has won the sport's biggest races, including three stages of the Tour de France last year, and is a multiple-time world cyclo-cross champion. However, he has suffered heavy defeats in major races such as the Tour de Flanders, where he is the perpetual runner-up or runner-up.

He shrugs off labels, criticism, and clichés, preferring to savor his victories and learn from his defeats.

"What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger," he replied with a cliché.

"Many big champions also finish second. I'd rather be second than get nowhere. I've been second twice in this Tour, but I got the yellow jersey, so if you race hard every day, sooner or later it will pay off."

"In my experience the last few years, there is another day. In last year's Tour, I got off to a slow start early on, but I kept believing I could do it. The day before the stage over Ventoux I was second and the day after I had the most beautiful victory of my career. You always have to keep moving forward."

Van Aert has worn the leader's jersey in Paris-Nice and the Criterium du Dauphiné, but this is the first time he has won the Tour de France maillot jaune, although he came close in 2019 and 2021.

"It's the same jersey as every other race, but this jersey means so much more. I'm really happy and proud to wear this jersey. I've had some great victories in my career, but this is the first time I've worn such a beautiful jersey. I think every cyclist dreams of wearing this jersey," Van Aert said.

Van Aert and Jumbo Visma will have to defend their one-second lead over Yves Lampère on Sunday's third stage, the cobbles of Soussevoir, then northern France, and next week in Paris-Roubaix. Taddei Pogachar is 8 seconds back, Filippo Ganna is 11 seconds back in fourth place, and sprint rival Pedersen is 12 seconds back.

Jumbo Visma is also targeting Primoš Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard for the overall win, as well as Van Aert's green jersey. Defending the yellow jersey will be an extra burden, but Van Aert believes the team can carry it.

"It's a team effort and this Tour, especially the first week, is really tough. There is a lot of work to be done, with or without the jersey," he insisted.

"Today I saw how strong the riders are. A lot of them were fighting two riders and the team was impressive all day. I look forward to what lies ahead."