Behind Philipsen, podium finishers regret missed shot at red jersey: “If I’d come from his wheel…”

Vernon was not only physically but also mentally exhausted. “It was complete carnage. We were at the front, then the back, then the front again,” he laughed at the finish line in an interview with Eurosport. “We ended up taking the lead, which wasn’t the plan. But Pier (Pier-André Côté) was super strong, which meant I could slot into fourth position. Jake (Stewart) also managed to come back. I got into Jasper’s wheel, but he was so fast. Because of his lead-out man I had to swing wide a bit, but I’m fairly happy.”

It wasn’t a victory, but the fast-finishing Brit felt there was more in it and that bodes well for what’s to come. “In the end, I was able to launch the sprint myself, but if I had come from someone’s wheel… I wasn’t far off. There are still four more opportunities. I’m confident we can make something happen. Of course, I wanted to win, but this gives me confidence for the rest of the race.”

Aular had to come from a bit further back, but could still be content with the result. “The last few kilometers were chaotic, with lots of roundabouts. We kept pushing forward but lost the connection a few times. In the end, García Cortina did a great job keeping me at the front. The team was very careful with me, but in the end, Philipsen was simply the strongest. I was slightly out of position, but it gives me confidence, and the legs are definitely there.”

Normally, the 28-year-old Venezuelan from Movistar shines in tougher stages, but he still admitted a hint of disappointment. “You always want to win, after all, that’s why we’re here. But we need to keep this consistency, and when a new opportunity comes, we’ll go all-in.”