“It’s madness. Diving down on cobblestones at 60 to 65 km/h… And that in the hectic pace of the Tour. Actually, this cobblestone section does not belong in any race.”
Aart Vierhouten, team leader of Tadej Pogacar, did not know what he saw as he explored the cobblestone sections of the 5th Tour stage with his Slovenian leader.
“I’m surprised about the second strip. I would never have included it in the course if I was the organiser.”
“The cobblestone strip slopes down. There are no alternative options to the left and right of the strip. That is at odds with the safety that has been so emphasized lately.”
“I don’t understand why this strip is on the course. You are only going to look for dangers with it.”
–
The strip that Vierhouten refers to is that from Eswars to Paillencourt, a “secteur pavé” of 1,600 meters long.
4 years ago, that cobbled section was already on the menu in the Tour. Degenkolb won that stage after a sprint against Van Avermaet and Lampaert.
“Fortunately it was dry then. In case of rain it is completely irresponsible to let the riders thunder over that descending cobblestone road.”
The fact that it is one of the first cobblestone sections makes it even more dangerous, according to Vierhouten. “Everyone is still full of adrenaline after the sprint to the first cobblestone section.”
“On the last cobblestone sections, there may be a group of 40 riders riding together. But on those first sections you will burn a whole peloton over it. It is life-threatening!”
–
