Van Aert laughs off Pogacar's comments on Visma's tactics, Niermann takes responsibility

As mentioned, Pogacar initiated the discussion after being asked by TV2 on Sunday about the situation in the opening phase of stage 15. "There was a moment when Vingegaard tried to catch up after the delay caused by the crash, while three of Visma's riders were at the front. Tim and I tried to calm things down from within that group so that everyone could return," said the Slovenian, among other things. He also said he found it strange that Visma is going all out for stage wins, rather than the GC, with Vingegaard.

Vingegaard responded the same evening on the same TV2 channel to his rival's comments. He showed understanding. “I was indeed alone for a moment after the crash, and I think the sports directors should have sent one or two riders back from the breakaway group. However, we'll discuss that later. It's the responsibility of the sports directors,” said the Dane. “If I can't get back into the peloton with three teammates, you have to make a decision.”

At a press conference organized by Visma | Lease a Bike, sports director Grischa Niermann took responsibility for the choices made in stage 15. "We clearly came with a big goal, which was the GC with Jonas. But when we go to the Tour, we always have different goals, such as winning stages. Yesterday, I decided to let them race at the front because I expected the group with Jonas to come back easily after that crash," he was quoted as saying by Het Nieuwsblad.

Van Aert was a bit more outspoken, especially towards Pogacar. "It's quite funny that Tadej says that. It was also very clear that UAE Emirates-XRG wanted Tim Wellens in the breakaway. They did the same thing. And when I look back at that situation with Jonas' crash, I think the solution would have been really simple. If Tadej had just dropped back into the group Jonas was in, that would have been really fair. Now he's complaining about something that didn't happen. We simply wanted to race for the stage win," Wielerflits heard.

So you can count on Van Aert continuing to attack, because the Belgian says he is feeling better and better. "I think three mountain stages are not really opportunities, but the other stages are. The final stage to Paris has a finish that should suit me. There will be racing from the peloton, so you'll have more control. I'm satisfied with the level I'm at, but I'm hoping for a little more. I was close a few times, but a few times I felt I was too far behind."

“The pieces of the puzzle haven’t fallen into place yet, but I can’t blame myself for much,” Van Aert continued. “Am I in the best shape? I’m in the shape I need to be in to perform. Usually, the last week is the week that suits me best, because everyone’s legs are tired. I already felt that last week in the mountains, that things were going more smoothly.”