With regards to another duel that didn't happen (Remco vs. Pog):
1. Pog did a terrific climb on La Redoute, riding 10s faster in 2024 (4:02) than Remco's (TRAINING) ride in 2023 (4:12). Pog was fast because he started early, and ofcourse, he kept his monstruous pace.
--> would Remco have been able to follow? Normally, just, but not by a margin. He could have well been dropped but not by more than 5-10 seconds.
2. The next bit of road where Pog had any chance of dropping Remco was indeed on Roche-aux-faucons (both the steep part and the last part). I agree that, if Pog dropped Remco, it would have been very hard for Remco (or anyone) to TT his way back as you simply have a big disadvantage going into the red and having to chase (going even deeper into the red) someone who just dropped you.
As for winning chances, I think Remco could have had a fair chance in the sprint, but Pog has a better chance dropping Remco and as much of a chance (or slightly better) winning the sprint.
Chances of Remco dropping Pog somewhere in between hills is what I would like to see attempted at least once in their duels, but I don't think Pog is droppable (by anyone for that matter) in a race like this one.