Re:
The question is, in a WC, will other nations let him ride? I'm inclined to say "no". De Gendt's thing is that in a GT he doesn't get tired as easily as days/weeks pass, compared to other riders. It looks like he gets stronger the further into the stages, but that's not the case. That's also why he isn't as succesful in 1 day races.
I'm also sure physically he could have been a good GC rider. When he finished 3rd in the Giro, he hadn't even prepared for GC. He was supposed to test the waters in the Giro, and then go for GC in the Vuelta. But it just turned out he really disliked riding like that. Too boring, too much wiggling for position in the front of the peloton etc. And, he's stubborn in his beliefs, defies science. He rides his ITT's without warming up. Regardless of scientific proof.
hayneplane said:In that form he would be perfect tactically for Belgium to make it a hard race all day by forming a morning breakaway so strong that the other big nations have to commit riders to the front from a very early stage allowing the Belgian protected riders to surf wheels and hide in the peloton.
To hold the gap to a highly motivated peak form Alaphilippe who has been arguably the best in the world this year was a freakishly strong ride and one that deserves all the plaudits in the world.
You wonder if he could actually have got further grand tour podiums but I think he simply isn’t psychologically suited to trying to hold back and conserve energy until the last few days plus the fact he is practically allergic to riding within the peloton.
The question is, in a WC, will other nations let him ride? I'm inclined to say "no". De Gendt's thing is that in a GT he doesn't get tired as easily as days/weeks pass, compared to other riders. It looks like he gets stronger the further into the stages, but that's not the case. That's also why he isn't as succesful in 1 day races.
I'm also sure physically he could have been a good GC rider. When he finished 3rd in the Giro, he hadn't even prepared for GC. He was supposed to test the waters in the Giro, and then go for GC in the Vuelta. But it just turned out he really disliked riding like that. Too boring, too much wiggling for position in the front of the peloton etc. And, he's stubborn in his beliefs, defies science. He rides his ITT's without warming up. Regardless of scientific proof.