“The strongest guy and the best moment with the moto. Did you not watch the coverage? I think… It is what it is, we’ve seen this a few times at the Tour, you know how that’s going to be. Some days you take advantage, others someone else does”.
Simmons was very keen on this topic and in such a fast finale, with no doubt it may have played a role in the Belgian champion’s dominant victory in the final day of the second week. The Lidl-Trek rider perhaps discussed what is somewhat a taboo topic in the peloton which is taking advantage of the race vehicles. Simmons knew that there would be the chance of benefiting from these for anyone who got a gap in the finale.
“In the end we all know it so we just have to find a way to be the first guy to get that separation. If you’re the first guy with the separation you’re gone. We know it’s coming, he chose a good moment. You still have to be super strong, but it’s definitely a factor that you have to start early in the race”.