Storer claims it wasn't Wellens but Campenaerts who "ruined it for everyone" with his van Aert tactics

Storer was also part of the early breakaway on Sunday, and the Australian from Tudor was eager to win. He tried several times, and his efforts on the final steep climb created a smaller group. This included Wellens, Quinn Simmons, and Campenaerts. “I tried to make the difference on the steep climb, but it wasn't quite enough,” was his initial analysis on SBS.

Then the tone changed, and Campenaerts was mentioned by name by Storer. According to the climber, the Belgian was the reason why the first group didn't stay away. “He was stuffing up the breakaway and actually ruined it for everyone except Wellens. He seized the opportunity. Campenaerts said that Wout van Aert was behind him, but he was really far back. I don't understand that. By not working together, he gave Wellens the victory. I don't think that was very smart tactically.”

The elite group that was ahead was eventually caught by the group behind, before Campenaerts attacked in the final and finished second. Julian Alaphilippe sprinted to third place in the group, ahead of Van Aert. Storer crossed the finish line in 22nd place. The Belgian rider from Visma pointed to Wellens when it came to tactics. “We have a good relationship outside of racing, but in the race, he's someone you don't want to have around. He's smart, sneaky, he knows how to play the game.”

So it was a lively affair at the front, in a stage that Wellens won. It was one of the few opportunities for the breakaway riders in this Tour de France, which was dominated by punchers in the first week and Tadej Pogacar in the second week. In the third week, the Alps await, and there still seem to be some opportunities for someone like Storer. He has already shown himself in this Tour five times, finishing third on stage 6 and fifth on stage 10.