press conference from May 14th, 2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkOQjSoXL7c
Translation (my own, so, self-evident disclaimer that any mistake are mine):
"Yesterday, I thought that if I stayed on Froome's wheel for a little bit I could make up some ground to the leaders but then realized he wasn't having a good day. Regardless, that was my spot, I couldn't be farther up ahead".
It doesn't state that his spot was due to ability or team orders. I think purposely said ambiguously.
"In any case, it was a great stage for me, one of the best results in a mountain stage for me this year and that continues to motivate me".
"This will be a very long Giro, already due to the many transfers, at least, from my career, I never had to do so many transfers, which impacts rest, recuperation, the team, etc. On the 3rd week this all adds up. There are people that will pay for their efforts these first couple of days while I'm more of a diesel engine".
"In hard races I always end up doing better and better and I expect that this Giro will not be the exception to this. On the 2nd week, I believe I will be much closer with the best and on the 3rd week I will be fighting with them (for stage/position)".
"And if I have to help Richard Carapaz, there will be no problem. He is demonstrating that he is currently by far the strongest in the team and there will be no issues in helping".