@CyclistAbi Honestly i can understand your viewpoint in general, i don't completely agree with it. But in general i can understand it. But not in this particular situation. In stage 1 Remco did not lose time cause of Merlier. And seeing that you just generalise in your answer, you yourself can't seem to pinpoint were exactly he lost time due to merlier in stage 1. Again Soudal and other teams chased immediately after the echelon as hard as they could. You can only ride as hard as you can. Now if you want to debate that in general having different goals with multiple riders ain't beneficial for the GC rider. I can see that point. Most people believe that. But not in this particular situation. A general idea ain't the same as 1 Situation.
@remco today. He did not seem that hindered by his crash. But it was not the hardest day. Maybe he has some damage we could not see today. That said. Remco held on for dear life, whilst Almeida did manage to follow in that final. Can't even say Remco worked harder cause Almeida worked for Pogacar. Right now he's top 5, not Top 3. He will need to improve during the tour if he wants to podium.