If you didn’t catch it, in this race Pogacar attacked and was then reeled in by Remco and Skjelmose about 8 km before the line. Skjelmose then beat them both in the sprint with about 8 cm.
Pogatchar seemed unsure whether it was a good idea to keep going solo/duo with Alaphilippe after they attacked. On the other hand, in the past, he already looked several times like he was hesitating, but then had no problem going stronger and stronger.
In the last part of the race before he was caught up, Pogatchar was grimacing, somewhat like on Paris–Roubaix.
The most incredible thing is that today we saw Skjelmose relay other riders. It doesn’t happen every year 😆
He was even so nervous in and after the final Cauberg (anxious that the group behind would catch up) that he took a few mini-relays.
As on Friday, Evenepoel’s opponents played it well, refusing to relay in the last 2 (3 ?) kilometres. It didn’t deter Evenepoel who believes he has become great at sprinting in the last couple of years. 😃
As far as the sprint is concerned, in my opinion, Pogatchar shifted from Evenepoel’s wheel to take him over way too early. He could have stayed behind his wheel quite longer while building up speed more easily.
Skjelmose is a clever rider, and he knew that with those two in the group he could skip some turns. Doesn’t really work next time, though 😉
I think he rides with a maturity which is greater than his age. I was happy about his win and hope he does well in the other Ardennes classics.
Unfortunately couldnt watch the race. What was it with Aranburu? Only heard that he dropped, was he weak or did he have a problem?
We just saw him being dropped at a point when the peloton sped up, and individuals and small groups were dropped.
I only caught the final, unfortunately. But the PCS live ticker says he was simply dropped with 54 to go, so probably just bad legs.
