"This is an absolute disgrace.. Pogacar was held up by French TV motards" on the climb of the Col Joux Plane, Belgian TV commentator claims

In what was already an eventful race Belgian TV commentator, José De Cauwer launched a scathing attack on the Tour De France organisation.

600 metres from the top of the Hors Category Col Joux Plane, Pogacar decided to finish his teammate's work to launch a full-out attack on Vingegaard. In full stride though the Slovenian saw his attack blocked by several race motorbikes from the French Television. Pogacar simply could not pass the motorized vehicles. All could be seen from the helicopter's view.

"Is this the year 2023?", José De Cauwer exclaimed on Sporza. "Pogacar is not only losing seconds here, this is totally unacceptable because the lack of organisation is influencing the result of this stage".

Commentator José De Cauwer had to be calmed down by co-commentator Renaat Schotte who interrupted him saying that without the race motorbikes there would not be coverage.

De Cauwer though did not let go and stated "At this stage of the climb we do not need close-up images if everything can be captured from the air." The stage ended with Pogacar's attack muted and Rodriguez overtaking both the Slovenian and Vingegaard to take the victory.