I'm guessing that the circumstances were very different, i.e. that he actually felt he really had a good chance of winning in 2022. As a rider, you mostly feel quite clearly when someone is (much) stronger than you. That was the case today. So, I don't know what your point is. If he would've been up there with Soler or Lecerf, he would've felt he lost a win. Not now.
He's saving Blue Steel for the last stage win. "It's Beautiful!"
Wout probably suggested that attack so Pacher wouldn't get roasted by his DS afterward.
Pacher would be tested for drugs or being drunk if he told anyone he thought he could best Van Aert in a head to head, sprint, trying to jump Wout from a little ways out was his only hope. He had to first make sure at his level of bonk that Soler didn't sneak up and slam him..
You must have been watching a different race, Van Aert had @90-100 cadence, he was absolutely quiet! His head, upper body still, after Pacher taking a micro pull he was out of the saddle flailing around trying to get the wheel again. He did the veteran thing and not cause some silly sword fight he was obviously going to lose!! He contributed until he couldn't, bold in itself. He did try a couple of small squirts trying to gauge just how much juice Wout had left. When you are out of the saddle, crushing it and look back to see the guy sitting down spinning wondering why you would do that, plan B or C..
beating Bennett (George) and Tejada as proof of that status
Damn, thousands of dollars for a few square centimeters inside some guy‘s head in Denmark? What‘s the square meter price there?
Same for Arensman as well who finished 15 minutes behind the GC group. They are clearly sick or injured and riding on is only loading fatigue for zero gain.
Ya, I found a presentation video from Soudal-Quickstep and he himself pronounced it Leserf with a soft C. So the Swedish commentator was wrong.
Again, your dedication is admirable. You're the Pogačar of hating Wout.
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