Decathlon CMA CGM's tactics criticised in the Vuelta a España gruppetto: ‘Kind of messed up the race’

Decathlon CMA CGM took control on Tuesday during the first mountain stage of the Vuelta a España. The French team wanted to get their leader, Felix Gall, as far ahead as possible, but ultimately fell victim to a counterattack by Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian won with a lead of several minutes over the other general classification contenders, while Gall did manage to gain an advantage over Richard Carapaz and Mattias Skjelmose.

"This was the first test for the general classification. I'm really impressed by how strong the team was; it was awesome to see, and I think we can be proud of how we rode today," Gall said afterward. Gregor Mühlberger was even able to support him right up to the final climb, after which it was up to Gall himself.

"I put a lot into it and tried a few times to make a difference. In the end, it was an incredibly tough day, but I'm definitely happy with this stage, and I think it gives us a lot of confidence for the rest of the Vuelta. It’s also always nice to finish on the podium and pick up a few bonus seconds,” said the rider currently ranked seventh.

Other teams didn’t quite get it, as Movistar’s Spanish rider Ivan Romeo explained to Eurosport after the race. “It was a tough day right from the start. We were more or less planning to join the breakaway of the day, but as soon as the starting flag went up, they went full throttle. So we quickly realised they weren’t going to give us much room.”

"After that, Decathlon kind of messed up the race. I don't know if the people watching at home understood it, but I certainly didn't either. Anyway, everyone makes their own tactical choices," said Romeo. "In the end, it is what it is. Enric (Mas, who was also riding with Gall and the others, ed.) was feeling really good; he’d already been saying that over the past few days.”

"It's not meant as a criticism or anything, but it is a bit surprising when you see such a superior team riding. I think it surprised all of us; we were talking about it in the group, too. But anyway, it's their race. In the end, Pogačar put everyone back in their place, which was bound to happen sooner or later."

"I do hope they’ll leave some of the work to others now, because otherwise there won’t be many opportunities left," said Romeo, who saw Pogacar’s move coming. “We did expect him to do this, because in the first mountain stage he always wants to make the pecking order clear right away. And well, I think it’s crystal clear to everyone now.”