Torstein Træen does not let himself be overwhelmed by the weight of the yellow jersey and at the end of this day as leader he expressed all his serenity with just one quip: «I only think about pedaling».

Until a few days ago his name was little known, especially among the most attentive enthusiasts. Today, however, Torstein Træen has made the front pages of newspapers around the world. The reason is simple: the Uno-X Mobility rider took the yellow jersey of the Tour de France at Foix, suddenly stepping into the spotlight of the most important race in world cycling.

For the thirty-year-old Norwegian it is an enormous change. Cameras follow him everywhere, journalists wait for him after the stage and his phone continues to fill with messages. Yet, those who expected a rider overwhelmed by emotion or pressure had to think again. Træen continues to be the same as always: calm, smiling and with only one objective in mind, to race in the best way possible.

When asked how he experienced his first day as leader of the Tour, the Norwegian recounted that he mainly sought to enjoy every moment: «It was a really pleasant day in the yellow jersey. Quite calm, quite relaxing. I enjoyed it to the fullest».

Among the many congratulations he received, there was one that struck him more than the others: «The most beautiful message was from my coach. He called me and it really made me happy».

A simple gesture, but one that tells of the relationship built over the years, long before fame and the most prestigious jersey in cycling arrived. From the outside Træen appeared serene throughout the day. In reality there were some moments of tension. «To be honest I was quite stressed, at least until the crash. For the rest it was really a beautiful day».

A confession that shows how even those who wear the yellow jersey can experience contrasting emotions during a Tour stage. Among the most curious consequences of the yellow jersey there is also the sudden popularity outside the race. One of his teammates told journalists that Træen had received numerous private messages and that someone is even trying to find him a girlfriend. The Norwegian's response came with a smile: «No, you need to talk to Anders, little Anders as we call him. He'll take care of all this... I just keep riding my bike». A clear reference to Anders Halland Johannessen. A little scene that confirms the simple and approachable character of the Uno-X rider.

Despite finding himself leading the general classification with a significant advantage over the great favorites, Træen avoids any predictions. «To be honest I live day by day. We'll see what happens - his approach remains pragmatic - If you have good legs, you have good legs. We'll see how far I can go.»

The Tour, however, is still very long and on the horizon are the great climbs, where the classification contenders will really come into play. Træen knows perfectly well that defending the yellow jersey against champions like Tadej Pogacar will be a feat. «Of course I fear tomorrow's stage». Then comes a sentence that perfectly sums up his realism. «Pogacar is Pogacar. If he wants to race he will and maybe I'll try to follow him, but I'll probably get dropped».

Words that tell all the humility of the Norwegian, aware of his own value but also of the difference that separates him from the great favorites for the final victory. Whatever happens in the coming days, Torstein Træen has already conquered something that no one can take from him: the yellow jersey of the Tour de France and a place in the history of Uno-X Mobility.

Cycling is also made of these stories. Riders who work for years away from the spotlight and who, suddenly, find themselves at the center of the most watched sporting event in the world.

For now Træen does not seem to want to change the way he lives this adventure. No calculations, no proclamations, no added pressure. Just a simple philosophy, the one that brought him here: keep pedaling, one kilometer and one stage at a time.