Ion Izagirre was the eventual stage winner with van der Poel fading after his attack was unsuccessful, coming home way down in 51st after sitting up. Despite the lack of success, Dumoulin understands van der Poel's tactics and the timing of his move. "Then he can't come along and he has to pay for his efforts," he explains. "But if he waited, he probably would have run off too. He can't blame himself, but he's just not good enough to win a stage like that yet."
'But a Mathieu in top form can create opportunities. I hope so, but at the moment he lacks that little bit extra," Dumoulin continues. "It will be difficult, but never say never. We must also remember that the World Championship is more important. He also has that goal in mind."