Jonas Vingegaard admitted there was nothing he or anybody may do when Tadej Pogačar attacked Saturday’s queen stage of Tirreno-Adriatico on Monte Carpegna, the Danish climber as a substitute preferring to take his anger out on the standard of the roads and swathes of gravel on the technical descent off the climb.
The Jumbo-Visma chief completed second on the stage, 1:03 behind Pogačar, and now lies better of the remainder at 1:52 down forward of Sunday’s flat finale. The Dane was a part of the lead GC group when Pogačar jumped away 16 kilometres from the road, however neither he nor his rivals may do something concerning the Slovenian’s assault.
“I believe I might be fairly happy with the way it went,” Vingegaard mentioned shortly after the end. “Tadej was simply unimaginable when he went. He put a minute into us on the climb. He was simply in a league of his personal.
“I used to be already on the restrict, so I did not even attempt to go along with him. He was simply unimaginable at this time and so a lot better than anybody else.
“I assume I am going to end second on GC. There’s nonetheless in the future to race however I am tremendous completely satisfied. The one unhealthy factor this week, should you can say that, was my time trial. Apart from that I am pleased with my week right here.”
Vingegaard was happy along with his efficiency, then. However he didn’t have comparable emotions concerning the situation of the descent off the climb.
The riders coated the climb and descent twice. Whereas lengthy sections have been freshly asphalted, the numerous hairpins and publicity to the Italian winter meant there was gravel on key strains on the way in which down.
Movistar’s Enric Mas misplaced any hope of a last podium place when his entrance wheel slipped out and he crashed onerous on the primary nook of the second descent off the snow-lined mountain. The Spaniard ultimately crossed the road over 5 minutes down, sporting street rash and cuts, however having prevented severe damage.
Pogačar mentioned after the stage that he was not completely satisfied that Bahrain Victorious went on the assault on the primary descent and most well-liked to go clear alone on the climb to resolve his personal tempo and features for the ultimate descent.
Vingegaard, nevertheless was extra vocal, taking a stand for rider security.
“I wish to make one comment concerning the stage: the downhill was actually badly cleaned,” he mentioned. “There was a lot gravel on the descent it was unhealthy. I do not assume that is ok and that now we have to inform [the organisers]. I believe they need to do higher.
“I believe they cleaned the street from the snow however there was nonetheless loads of gravel on the street. You additionally noticed that Enric Mas crashed within the first nook on the downhill. There was a lot gravel, it was so harmful. I actually do not assume it was ok.”
