Van Aert’s bitterness on the increase in deadlines during the 13th stage time trial

While the organization of the Tour de France chose to extend the deadlines at the last moment to reach the arrival during the time trial in Peyragudes this Friday, several runners, including the Belgian Wout Van Aert, expressed their misunderstanding. However, Especially since, without this respite of a few minutes, some could have wired.

“There was no reason for it to happen.” The misunderstanding won part of the peloton this Friday at the arrival of the 13th stage of the Tour. Therefore, de France. For example, In his viewfinder: the organizers’ decision to review the calculation of upward deadlines in the face of the fear. Nevertheless, of a massive elimination of runners.

Originally, ASO had planned deadlines based on 33% of the time of the winner of the 10.9 kilometers in dry climb between Loudenvielle and Peyragudes. But, ten minutes before the first runner’s van aert’s bitterness increase deadlines departure, the bar was finally set at 40%.

“I find it really disappointing” – Van aert's bitterness increase deadlines

Very reassembled, Wout Van Aert spoke on this turnaround with HLN. “The time trial had been established like this for months, with a time limit set at 33%,” he said. “And suddenly, ten minutes before departure, this limit was raised to 40%. I find it really disappointing, especially since the conditions have not really changed.”

Same observation on the side of his teammate Tiesj Benoot. seeing no valid explanation: “There was no reason for this to happen, if he did not suddenly make 45 degrees or if a thunderstorm burst.”

According to information from HLN. several teams have put pressure on the organizers before the race, surely worried by the performance of Tadej Pogacar the day before in the climb to Hautacam.

Merlier in a suspended

Six runners would have been put out of time with the initial rule. van aert’s bitterness increase deadlines Mauro Schmid. Biniam Girmay, Arnaud starts, Elmar Reinders, Tim Merlier and Luka Mezgec finished more than 7 minutes and 35 seconds, more than 33% of Tadej Pogacar time.

If we saw Biniam Girmay enjoy the crowd. not do the time, this is less the case with the Belgian sprinter Tim Merlier. The European Road Champion finished the willed assembled. “I had a bad day and I couldn’t follow my secure racing plan,” he said on arrival.

And his ordeal could continue this Saturday during the Queen Pyrenean stage between Pau. Luchon-Superbagnères, during which the 170 runners still in the running will go through the legendary Col du Tourmalet, the Col d’Aspin or the Col de Peyresourde. With a single objective for sprinters: finish on time.