His young teammate
Cian Uijtdebroeks also struggled on the climb, as both riders finished over two minutes down on the stage winner and new overall leader Tadej Pogačar, as Uijtdebroeks said “thanks in part to the team, we were able to start at the front of the final climb. When Pogacar attacked I had to pass, but in a group behind I was able to keep up. However, I got colder and colder and everything cramped up in the last kilometres. I couldn't put much power and then it was a matter of dragging to the top”.
However, the Belgian rider remains optimistic ahead of stage 3 to Port Ainé, as he said “I hope to find those good legs again. There are still plenty of chances and opportunities coming up for the team”.