The leading group consisted of eight riders and got a six-minute lead. Jos van Emden led the pursuit. In the opening phase the Dutchman rode in the front of the peloton for dozens of kilometres. On the climb of the Cipressa, many riders were dropped. When the Poggio came up, the early escapees’ ambitions were also over.

Tadej Pogacar attacked and Van Aert immediately followed him. A little later, the Slovenian tried to get away for a second and third time, but Van Aert also parried those attacks. Subsequently, Primoz Roglic did not manage to get away from the remaining group favourites despite riding attentively at the front. After reaching the top of the last climb of the day, Mohoric went for it. The Slovenian showed his descending abilities and retained his advantage on Van Aert’s group that tried catching the later winner. After all his efforts, the Belgian Team Jumbo-Visma rider’s tank was empty.

“I wasted a lot of energy on Pogacar’s attacks”, Van Aert admitted. “That’s why I didn’t manage to be with him when Mohoric attacked. I knew he was dangerous. You can’t give him ten meters because he’ll be gone. I chased him to win. Maybe others were already busy trying to get a podium place. They have every right to do so, of course. I don’t think we should have handled the race differently. I am pleased with the work the team did today. If I can’t win, I prefer going down fighting. I think that’s what happened”, the Belgian champion concluded.

Sports director Arthur van Dongen admitted that Team Jumbo-Visma had high ambitions. “Of course we are disappointed. After all, we were riding for victory. In hindsight, I don’t think we can blame ourselves. The team did an excellent job. We made a plan beforehand and all our riders executed it well. Wout is a little disappointed, but he is proud of the work of his teammates. That feeling prevails.”