2024-05-07 03:00:00
Section winner and Mariachi Clamino Tim Merleer (Belgium, Soudal Quickstep)
Tim Merlile (Belgium, Soudal Quickstep) obtains Mariachi Clamino with victory photo: Soudal Quick-Step
It’s a victory that results from the most intense development of my career. I caught up with them (Pogacar and Tomas) in the last kilometer, but I lost track of them and mightn’t use my slipstream. So from there I rode with the wind in my hand, and from then on the sprint started with 300m to go. I saw Milan start the sprint first or second from the left and I’m really happy that we were able to win (under those circumstances).
The reason for my victory is that I was able to overcome the last climb at a good pace. Thanks to Mauri VanSevenant, Julien Alaphilippe), Luke Lampparty and Berto (to VanLerbel) who were by my side at that time. I would like to thank them.
-Did you think you might finish with the leading group that formed halfway through the race?
Luke and I were inside. Being alone in a group of regarding 25 people was disadvantageous, so we tried to prevent group rotation. In the end, it turned out to be the right decision.
Yesterday I saw Pogacar on the podium and I was jealous. So I’m really happy to be on the podium today.
2nd place in the section Jonathan Millan (Italy, Riddle Trek)
Jonathan Millan (Italy, Riddle Trek) lost in the handle throw photo:CorVos
I’m happy that we were able to get close to victory today. I have another chance to sprint tomorrow, so I want to aim for that. Because I feel good.
I felt nervous when I saw Pogacar attack on the last hill. At first it was a short distance away, but when I saw it on the home stretch it seemed much further away. But we caught up with them and we were able to have a good sprint thanks to teamwork.
Maria Rosa and Maria Azzurra Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates)
Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia, UAE Team Emirates) follows Honoré’s attack on the hill before the finish. photo:CorVos
The first two hours were relaxing, with the sprinters speeding up the small hills. After that, the chasing group split up and three groups were born. Then we regrouped and followed Honoré’s attack on the last hill.
Then, a gap was created between them and Thomas, who also got on board. So I stayed ahead. I felt it was safer to be at the front than to be in a chaotic group (of sprinters competing for position).
-Did you think there was a chance of winning?
I thought it wasn’t that expensive. With today’s layout, I didn’t think I might win. Then I had to make up the remaining 400 meters, which (for a sprinter) can be considered a long distance to the finish. But I think Thomas, Honoré and I made a good attack. It was a good stretch for my legs (lol).
Geraint Thomas (England, Ineos Grenadiers) follows Pogacar’s attack
Geraint Thomas (England, Ineos Grenadiers) finishes with Pogacar photo: INEOS Grenadiers
The last hill wasn’t a difference-making climb, but we (as a team) picked up the pace, thinking we might make it difficult for (our rivals). I reacted (to Pogacar’s attack) simply by following my instinct.
-Does the fact that you were the only one able to react give you confidence?
You might say that, and you might also say that I was the only one who might react simply. However, it was very hard.
After the race,Social networksThomas writes a message to Pogacar at
I know it was fun, but why not have a quiet day tomorrow? #Today’s youth
Mikkelfreirik Honore (Denmark, EF Education Easypost) attacks on the final climb
Mikkelfreirik Honoré (Denmark, EF Education Easypost) photo:CorVos
Our team doesn’t have any sprinters or players aiming for the top spots in the general classification, so we wanted to try our luck at winning a stage. I like stages like today that require punching power, and three years ago there was a stage with a similar layout. I didn’t have enough leg strength to catch Tadej (Pogačar), but I think it was a good try.
I didn’t look at the meter, but I think it produced 800-900W in 4 minutes. So I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth as I continued walking.
I think everyone loves him because he runs like a kid who loves to run. I was happy to ride with a champion like him and his pace was incredible.
text: Sotaro.Arakawa
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