E3 Saxo Classic 2024, one day classic, March 22

[Devil's Elbow]

Agree that Jumbo should try harder to work MvdP over, but it's sad to see teams like UAE / Trek / ... are STILL pulling when a Jumbo is on the road and MvdP is following wheels.

With regards to WvA not part of Jumbo's moves pre-MvdP: MvdP personally counters all WvA moves. He has never, ever allowed WvA an inch of a gap on the road. If you find one race wher MvdP 'allowed' WvA on the road, I'm curious to know which one.

The more Van Aert attacks, the likelier it is a teammate gets away because Jumbo have more matches to burn than VdP on his own if they use them properly.

I will concede that it's harder without Laporte.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

I'm not sure the outcome could have been different after the crash. Sometimes you have to go for it or it'll be too late.

He tried to bridge a 35s gap in a few minutes. That's the most moronic thing to do and a recipe for blowing up, because the guy in front is still in control and at least as strong as you. Instead of trying to close it on his own, he should have stayed in the group if even for a 50% rest time while keeping the gap steady. Then after 20km, he could have tried to bridge solo. By that time Van der Poel would have spent a lot of energy, while he would have been relatively more fresh as he would at least have been able to get some rest in the group. If there was any chance for Van Aert, it was playing the long game.

 

[skippo12]

I wonder if Pog being there/not being there makes it easier or harder for WVA. On paper UAE is going to push the pace on every single climb to make the race as hard as possible and that isn't good for him. But the group dynamics with MVP and Pog looking at each other allowed him to come back last year.

 

[Lequack]

If Wout worked with Jorgenson they would've cought MVDP by now and passed him.

 

[AmRacer]

MvdP does a Poggi and Remco.

 

[Billie]

Van Aert fringale. He just took a gel with 7kms to go

 

[Volderke]

He tried to bridge a 35s gap in a few minutes. That's the most moronic thing to do and a recipe for blowing up, because the guy in front is still in control and at least as strong as you. Instead of trying to close it on his own, he should have stayed in the group if even for a 50% rest time while keeping the gap steady. Then after 20km, he could have tried to bridge solo. By that time Van der Poel would have spent a lot of energy, while he would have been relatively more fresh as he would at least have been able to get some rest in the group. If there was any chance for Van Aert, it was playing the long game.

True, but the other scenario could have been that WvA was forced to work the most in that group without gaining time on MvdP as others in that group would probably gamble more and only start to ride 100% after Tiegemberg when it's too late.

 

[Didinho]

Girmay done.

Stuyven gaining on Wout.

 

[Ricco']

WVA forgot to eat?

Energy gel at less than 10k to go makes me think that.

 

[Poursuivant]

He has an amazing palmares VDP but it’s surprising that he has only won one GT stage

 

[Tim Cahill]

Van Aert bonked, bad sign for Gent

Edit: Not down for it apparently

 

[AmRacer]

Jorgenson tired

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

He tried to bridge a 35s gap in a few minutes. That's the most moronic thing to do and a recipe for blowing up, because the guy in front is still in control and at least as strong as you. Instead of trying to close it on his own, he should have stayed in the group if even for a 50% rest time while keeping the gap steady. Then after 20km, he could have tried to bridge solo. By that time Van der Poel would have spent a lot of energy, while he would have been relatively more fresh as he would at least have been able to get some rest in the group. If there was any chance for Van Aert, it was playing the long game.

While I understand why he did it...your assessment is correct. One need only look at Wout's face to see he damaget that chanse did. He's blown up.

 

[Volderke]

WvA won't get on the podium.

 

[Samu Cuenca]

He tried to bridge a 35s gap in a few minutes. That's the most moronic thing to do and a recipe for blowing up, because the guy in front is still in control and at least as strong as you. Instead of trying to close it on his own, he should have stayed in the group if even for a 50% rest time while keeping the gap steady. Then after 20km, he could have tried to bridge solo. By that time Van der Poel would have spent a lot of energy, while he would have been relatively more fresh as he would at least have been able to get some rest in the group. If there was any chance for Van Aert, it was playing the long game.

I don't think the gap would have been easier to close 20 km later. Van der Poel has looked in control all the way through. Maybe Wout should have managed his effort better, but I don't think that group was gonna be of much use for him either.

 

[Brullnux]

He has an amazing palmares VDP but it’s surprising that he has only won one GT stage

He was an incredible lead out man for Philipsen last Tour, tbf.

 

[Ricco']

Van Aert bonked, bad sign for Gent

Wasn't in his program before today. Next race is Dwars.

 

[AnotherArmChair]

MVP is so strong but it doesnt mean he is not beatable ...Visma need to look at their tactics and how they use other teams at RRV

 

[jono]

He has an amazing palmares VDP but it’s surprising that he has only won one GT stage

Two GT stages.

 

[AmRacer]

He has an amazing palmares VDP but it’s surprising that he has only won one GT stage

2

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

He has an amazing palmares VDP but it’s surprising that he has only won one GT stage

Philipsen has like 20 fewer victories and no monuments without MvdP.

 

[Unterlenkerfahrend]

Belgium television trying to save WVA from bonking.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

WvA won't get on the podium.

Yes he will

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Belgium television trying to save WVA from bonking.

Renaat is heading to assist on the moto.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

True, but the other scenario could have been that WvA was forced to work the most in that group without gaining time on MvdP as others in that group would probably gamble more and only start to ride 100% after Tiegemberg when it's too late.

I don't think the gap would have been easier to close 20 km later. Van der Poel has looked in control all the way through. Maybe Wout should have managed his effort better, but I don't think that group was gonna be of much use for him either.

So staying in a group, managing your efforts and keeping the gap stable around 35s, is not wasting less energy than trying to close a 35s... on your own. Well you learn something new everyday.