"The strongest guy and the best moment with the moto" - Quinn Simmons believes motos played key role in Wellens' win

The topic of TV bikes in cycling races is one that from time to time comes up, often when discussing the potential advantage it gives some riders. That has been put on full blast today by Quinn Simmons, who believes Tim Wellens was aided a lot by the motorbikes when attacking to victory at the Tour's 15th stage.

"You spend not too much energy, but any energy you spend is going to affect you in the finale. But in the end you get ridden away from and that's just how it is," Simmons shared with ITV following the stage, commenting on the energy spent in the intermediate sprints. But it became quite obvious that the American champion, 21st at the finish line after his group was caught in the final kilometers, was incredibly displeased with what had happened in the decisive section of the stage.

"The strongest guy and the best moment with the moto. Did you not watch the coverage? I think... It is what it is, we've seen this a few times at the Tour, you know how that's going to be. Some days you take advantage, others someone else does".

Simmons was very keen on this topic and in such a fast finale, with no doubt it may have played a role in the Belgian champion's dominant victory in the final day of the second week. The Lidl-Trek rider perhaps discussed what is somewhat a taboo topic in the peloton which is taking advantage of the race vehicles. Simmons knew that there would be the chance of benefiting from these for anyone who got a gap in the finale.

"In the end we all know it so we just have to find a way to be the first guy to get that separation. If you're the first guy with the separation you're gone. We know it's coming, he chose a good moment. You still have to be super strong, but it's definitely a factor that you have to start early in the race".