That's for sure. When I read the articles last year, it actually sounded lke he had no interest in the General Classification. Generally speaking, I don't know if those riders are really defining them as objectives. For example, in Niels Albert's time, his coach Christophe Roodhooft relativised all those rankings because if you happened to be injured at the worst moment it's all over for you. The most significant thing is winning as many races as you can.
Anyway, perhaps the trip to the US has better support now but last year, it was pretty insecure. For example, Gianni Vermeersch paid the trip of his own pocket: €3,300. He thus needed to be at least twice top7 to cover all his expenses. Fortunately, He was 5th in Iowa and managed it but for Sanne Cant, poor thing: €4,000 investment and won €570.
Of course for riders like Wout Van Aert or Mathieu Van der Poel it's rather a "safe bet" as they are almost sure to be first and second in both races but still it raises questions.
Anyway, perhaps the trip to the US has better support now but last year, it was pretty insecure. For example, Gianni Vermeersch paid the trip of his own pocket: €3,300. He thus needed to be at least twice top7 to cover all his expenses. Fortunately, He was 5th in Iowa and managed it but for Sanne Cant, poor thing: €4,000 investment and won €570.
Of course for riders like Wout Van Aert or Mathieu Van der Poel it's rather a "safe bet" as they are almost sure to be first and second in both races but still it raises questions.