Alpecin Desoninck’s tactical choices frustrate Iljo Kessie: “They made it difficult for everyone”

“There was no cooperation between the teams of runners. It was also not the last four teams that were in front. The last 20 kilometers were on a downhill slope and they also had a tailwind. Then something like this could happen,” says Ilgo Kessie. , team leader at Soudal – a quick move for Tim Merlier.

“Who is the smarter team to lead? Nobody. I don’t think we can blame ourselves. We did what we could and had to do.”

“We didn’t gamble, even when Alpecin Desoninck made our lives miserable on the climb. Then we immediately started again. All sprinting teams should look in the mirror tonight.”

Alpecin-Deceuninck raced very energetically, quickly taking advantage of the early breakaway and thus creating space for a second breakaway.

Will the opposing teams learn lessons from this in the upcoming opportunities?

“Let’s hope. I find the way of racing in Alpecin-Dekeuinink very disappointing. They made it difficult for everyone. They have a good runner and a chance to win, but it is of no use to them now. Anyway, after the analysis it will become clear who is at fault.”

“The race is over… It was a great opportunity. We would have loved to give it to Tim Merlier. We’ve already won, so it’s up to others to do the same now,” Casey concluded.

Merlier also questioned Alpecin-Dessoninck’s approach. “It’s a weird tactic to push other riders down the hill. I think that’s how they killed themselves.”

“Then you see what happens,” Merlier continued. “If you don’t work well together, you have a journey to keep going forward.”

In the Alpecin-Deceuninck camp, they also looked primarily to the strength of the leading group that remained in front.

“They worked well together and in the peloton they were probably looking at us too much. That happens sometimes,” says sporting director Preben van Hecke.

“You can blame our tactics, but also the other teams’ tactics. I also understand that they remain isolated when we try to run their hostility uphill.”

“Although I thought Lidl-Trek and Soudal-Quick Step were still somewhat present after that. Sometimes the escapees are too strong. It’s a missed opportunity and it was very quiet on the bus,” Van Heck admits.