Remco Evenepoel himself looked back with satisfaction on the first stage of his race on French soil. What are the conclusions of the commentary duo Renate Schuti and José de Cauer after Paris-Nice? “It was just one tactical decision otherwise he would have won all the classifications,” he said, alongside a point of criticism towards main rival Primoz Roglic.
Renate: “How do you feel when you leave the commentary booth?”
José: “I'm still happy with the final result. After that loss on Friday's stage, this was the highest finish for Remco Evenepoel. For me he is the best rider in this peloton. But the best doesn't always win and Matteo Jorgenson is also a rider.” Very good winner, congratulations.”
Renate: “What conclusions can we draw from this for the remainder of the Evenpoel season?”
José: “He still has to do an altitude training session, so everything looks good. We've seen Evenpoel very good, even if it's not against Pogacar or Wenggard.”
“We shouldn't keep complaining about those who weren't there. The person who was there was basically Primoz Roglic. But he messed things up a bit for Evenepoel because he kept watching him. This way others could take advantage and get away.”
Roglic has spoiled things a bit for Evenepoel.
Jose de Quir
Renate: “Does this Paris-Nice say something about the centerpiece of the Evenpoel season: the Tour de France?”
José: “Here, Evenpoel is not showing if he can win the Tour or stand on the podium. That requires different weapons. He tried to compete against that in the Spanish Tour last year and crashed on that stage.”
“There is still better work, but Evenpoel can be satisfied. He is and he knows why he did not win.”
Renate: “It was one tactical decision otherwise he would have won all the classifications here.”
José: “This is what happens. We cannot say that Jorgenson was better than Evenepoel. It was not he who drove the car to Roglic. Along the way it became clear that Evenepoel missed an opportunity by not going with Jorgenson on that trip.”
Renate: “Did Jorgenson win out of the blue or are we not allowed to say that?”
Jose: “Another masterstroke from Visma-Lease a Bike. They got rid of Roglic and ended up on the top step of the podium with this guy. Was he the best guy in the race? No, but he did win.”
Renate: “Is Jorgenson now a substitute for Van Aert in the Flemish work?”
Jose: “That's another thing. At least they have someone to succeed Van Hooydonk, which is more possible. He can participate in the final and be supportive in difficult moments.”
Renate: Will we see this Jorgenson-Evenepoel match a lot in the future or will it be against other men?
Jose: “It will definitely be viable against others. Pogacar and Vinggard have been very busy in recent weeks. Have we seen that here from Evenpoel? No, but the course wasn't suitable for that either.”
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