Despite crash disappointment, Giro analysts salivating over sensational Rockets lead-out train

It was another setback for Unibet Rose Rockets in stage six of the Giro d'Italia. The Giro d'Italia debutants have one goal at their first Giro — win a stage. Ideally, win a sprint stage with top-man Dylan Groenewegen. As the Dutchman hit the deck on Naples' wet cobbles, it was clear they'd be waiting a little longer. But Dutch analysts and former pros Roxane Knetemann, Niek Goedvolk and Marijn Abbenhuijs say we shouldn't be focusing on the crash. Speaking on their Dutch language In Het Wiel podcast, we should be focusing on the superb lead-out.

Of course, there was plenty to say about the course design in the finale. But Knetemann wanted to focus above all on what the Rockets actually produced. "How good was what they did? Up until that last corner — seriously," she exclaims. "We don't hand out shout-outs lightly, but I'm going to give one now: that Kopecky — what an absolute beast he was today!"

Tomas Kopecky did the lion's share of the work in the sprint build-up, almost single-handedly keeping the Rockets' train at the front for a prolonged stretch. "They were way too early, way too early — and yet not. Because of Kopecky. They left me speechless today. They lost each other in the washing machine of stage one — but today... Apart from one or two minor imperfections, it was absolutely textbook."

And what were those minor imperfections? One small moment came when Lukas Kubis was on the front. "They left a gap on the right-hand side, which let Decathlon through. Normally you keep that closed. You always want to pick a side — because then you can only be passed from one direction." But that's not something to dwell on. "The lead-out they put together today — I think Marcel Kittel is watching those final four kilometres on repeat before he goes to sleep."

The strength of Rockets' leader Groenewegen was also on display, even if his sprint legs never got to do the talking. "The way he rejoined his lead-out train at 3.5 kilometres from the finish — I thought that showed incredible class," said Abbenhuijs. "An extraordinary sense of timing. Without any visible effort, he came through a Decathlon rider and found his train again."

Knetemann also wanted to underline just what this team's achievement actually represents. The Rockets have only been around for a few years, and this is their very first Grand Tour. Yet for the second sprint stage in a row, they have produced the best lead-out in the race. "They're on a wildcard! Lidl-Trek — with their massive budget — are just sitting there following these guys. That's just seriously impressive."