After ignoring the media a week ago, the team Visma | Lease a Bike This time did not escape the traditional press conference on occasion this Monday of the second day of rest of this Tour de France. In the park of the castle L'Hospitalet in Narbonne, Wout van Aert took place in front of the journalists after Jonas Vingegaard and its sports director Grischa Niermann To answer a few questions. If he understood of course his form of the moment and his desire to go and seek a 10th stage victory on the Tour during this 3rd week, the response of the Belgian who will certainly be talked about the most Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Asked about Slovenian's comments the day before after the 15th stage, the latter having questioned and criticized the tactics of the Comma around its Danish leader, WAva obviously had a message to convey the world champion.
“Pogacar? I find it quite funny that he says that because …”
As a reminder, Pogacar In particular said Sunday evening having “Find the strange situation” et “do not know what“of the strategy of CommaqUI have relaunched the front of the peloton while Jonas Vingegaard was in a group behind. “If I was in the place of Jonas, I would not be the happiest at the table tonight“He added.”This does not affect us, whether it is me or the group. I find it quite funny that he says that …“started by answering Wout van Aert.
“Car iIt was also very clear that Uae Emirates Xrg wanted Tim Wellens in the breakaway. They did exactly the same. And when I think back to the situation with Jonas, who was delayed by the fall, I think there was a very simple solution. We were 25 runners, and we all tried to attack to form the escape. So if Tadej had just got up to return to the peloton where Jonas was, he could have shown a real fair play. Now he complains about something that does not exist. We just wanted to play the stage victory. All those who were there at that time were there to be in the breakaway. I think it's completely normal“. Quite strong terms that will not fail to fall into Slovenian's ear …
“The pieces of the puzzle are not yet in place, but …”
The rest of the press conference turned around the quest for victory for Wout van Aert On this tower, he who finished 4th Sunday, his 3rd Top 5 after his 2nd place in Laval and its 5th to Toulouse. “I feel pretty good. My level the first week was somewhat affected by the disease I had the week preceding the Tour, but now it's okay. I am satisfied with the level I rear, but I hope something more. I was close to it a few times, but I also felt a little too far. The puzzle pieces are not yet in place, but I can't really blame myself.”
“Am I to the best of my form? I am in the form necessary to perform“, add Van Aert. “Usually, the last week is the one that suits me best, because of fatigue in everyone's legs. I already felt it last week in the mountains, it was better. I think the three mountain stages are not really opportunities for me, unlike others. The last step to Paris has a final that should suit me. The race will be led by the peloton, so we will have more control“Concluded the Belgian.
