Pretty much as expected in the men’s race. Remco maybe one or two places higher up than I expected but I was surprised how many people were surprised by his performance. It felt like Pog was toying with him a bit, letting him think he was in with a chance of rejoining then pushing a bit (partly MVDP taking it easier when he hit the front too). As always with this race, plenty of riders were looking good right up to the moment they weren’t, it always surprises me just how quickly gaps grow in the final 100m of a climb when it looks like someone is just holding on. Won’t was a prime example.
Sam Watson was another who was prominent all race right up until it mattered. Conor Swift had a really strong race, despite the crash and being in the break he still had enough to keep Watson and Sheffield in position right up to the decisive move.
Can Pog get the full house next week? He showed last year he can be up in contention but I can’t see where he can get a gap without having a ramp to use although he showed today that when he does have a gap he can grow it on flat terrain.