Soudal-QuickStep team boss Patrick Lefevere wrote in his Saturday morning
Het Nieuwsblad column that his meal on Friday afternoon was the only good part of his day.
"During the E3 Saxo Classic, I had a tasty lunch in Waregem. With that, I had everything that was good yesterday – the food," Lefevere wrote. "The team's performance was below par. I understand not being with the three in the front, they are phenomena. But no-one being in the group behind them either? Sorry, but that's not Soudal-QuickStep.
"On the bus, I gave my thoughts, as always, without shouting. Then I heard from Kasper Asgreen – I did my best, from Florian Sénéchal – I fell, from
Julian Alaphilippe – I woke up with a stomach ache and slight fever. What do you want me to say to that? If you have a fever, you shouldn't start.