"And then you have a team like Red Bull..." - Mads Pedersen not too happy with rival tactics in pursuit of Mathieu van der Poel at E3 Saxo Classic

The E3 Saxo Classic played out perhaps as expected when it comes to Mathieu van der Poel taking the victory, but not as expected regarding team tactics. In the finale the chasing quartet didn't complete the chase of the Dutchman which was on the verge of being completed; whilst in the peloton Mads Pedersen complained about a separate choice of tactics from Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe.

“Actually, it was okay, tough day. As we talked about before the race, it’s different to race in Belgium than to race in Milano-Sanremo last week, Pedersen said in a post-race interview, as reported by Domestique. "So yeah, a decent start, and now we look forward for the rest.”

The Lidl-Trek rider was fourth at Milano-Sanremo and had good form coming into the cobbled classics. Not peak form like the previous year, but enough to be in the mix for a top result. However, the race did not go the way he planned, with lack of positioning proving costly at times.

Pedersen did not respond to the attack that saw van der Poel's chasing group form, and was left chasing back the entire race. “I was just not far enough in the front. And if you’re not in the first five, then it’s really tough to follow.”

The German team didn't have its traditional display of firepower, and only Mathias Vacek could stay with Pedersen during the key phase of the race. This was not enough to keep things in check and ultimately, seeking a sprint - alongside other fast men - Pedersen looked to form an alliance as soon as Mathieu van der Poel attacked off the front and found himself alone.

Pedersen wanted collaboration from other teams, and points out Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe who had five riders in the mix, but did not initially use them to work “Other teams are also racing, you know, and they have other plans than us. And then you have a team like Red Bull...". The rival team did not have a proper sprinting option, however was attacking at a point where the peloton lacked organization behind the Dutchman, who would later take a tight solo win.

"With that many numbers, of course they’re not just pulling. They are attacking, and they’re super smart. So yeah, well played," the Dane said somewhat ironically. He believes the race could've come down to a sprint if the chase had been organized from the start.

“Of course, with the speed we had, everything is possible with 10K to go. But it was also not up to us to close the gap because we were only two guys. Other teams were way more than us.” Red Bull did push in the final flat approach to the line, but it proved to be too late. Pedersen sprinted to 9th on the day, 4th in the peloton's sprint for a result.

“It wasn’t the day, but the Classics are not over. Recover and onto Sunday. It’s the only thing we can do.” Next on the schedule for the classics specialist is Middelkerke - Wevelgem, where he took a win last year, but starts as an outsider this time around.