So far both UAE Team Emirates and
Jumbo-Visma have had days where they forced the pace or put in extensive effort all day long to try and bring benefits, but bringing no results. Ironically, both teams - Vingegaard on stage 5, Pogacar on stages 6 and 9 - have taken the most time in days where their teams didn't put in the work in the head of the peloton to create differences.
Sepp Kuss, who has already been key support for Primoz Roglic at the Giro d'Italia, is proving once again incredible support here, and his form sees him up to sixth in the overall classification already at this point. "The American’s role has so far been more defensive as Jumbo-Visma assume a defensive position faced with Pogačar’s aggression. That is not necessarily going to be the case in the final week. "
On
Wout van Aert, York argues that it is understandable the tension and chase for stage wins that has been taking place over the past two weeks: "He’s noticeably been given some freedom from team duties in an attempt to win a stage, but he hasn’t been able to do it. It’s partly down to his reputation."
"Which makes any riders with him in the escape reluctant to do even half as much work as him, but there’s also a sense that he’s taking the Jumbo versus UAE physical and mental sparring a little too personally. While Vingegaard has his emotions under control, the former green jersey is showing signs of frustration. It’s perfectly understandable – even Cofidis have two stage wins while he has yet to win."