Tour de France Tour de France 2023, stage 5: Pau - Laruns, 162.7k

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In theory you're right. But I think riders like Pedersen and van Aert are riding for Pedersen and van Aert respectively.

None of them were there for their own chances today.

It was about getting heavy guys out in front, to possibly survive Soudet, so they could help their GC riders until the last climb.

Obviously WvA is a far better climber than Pedersen, so more realistic for him... but who dares wins ;)
 
Hindley is more of a threat for the 3rd podium spot than he is to win the race ahead of the 2 big favourites. At what point do the other GC teams aiming for podium take over from UAE and ride to reduce the gap.
I'd love for peak Jai Hindley to be a real player as a Tour winner. It would much more interesting than just the Jonas-Pog duel.