There are people actually defending Pacher’s tactics. As soon as they went over the final climb there weren’t going to get caught. Just sit on. Does anyone think WVA would not ride the whole way in? The last thing WVA wanted is for it get complicated. Your only hope is to play on his mind that you are sat in his wheel for 20km. Would still have lost but at least it would give you a small shot. What he did was just dumb
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..
Wout crashes, mechanical, drops the chain, cleat pulls out. There is a genetic reason that Van Aert has green jersey, grand tour wins, fame .. in a group of 2 at the end of a hilly mess of a race..why go into denial? Have not seen him interviewed yet, let me guess, to get beat by one of the biggest talents in bike racing, acknowledged as one of the strongest in the world.. Guy with elite race victories including time trials at world tour level, getting a close second to him in a good productive, positive break away is a great result. Nobody could be super disappointed with that ride and getting smacked by only a bike length or two.. The video and still shots of Pacher is the frame contesting a sprint, iconic.. Guy has zero to hang his head about.
O'Connor ,Yates and Wout wins have been absolutely great, this one for Van Aert better than previous. Did you see his legs? Does he look like a climber? Guy is an absolute all around monster!! What more can you do for yourself, your team, your sponsors!! Win, kiss and hug smiling wife, congratulations to breakaway mate and then do equal duty picking up each of your cute small kids..a UAE team publicist, public relations firm could not have got better return on their Euros!!!