Bjerg hits out at Visma and Alpecin after Pogacar puncture - 'You think they’re being pretty small-time'

Pogačar was forced onto a neutral bike on the cobbles, leaving his teammates scrambling to regain control. In the confusion, Bjerg revealed he had lost contact with the team car altogether.

"I spoke to Nils Politt and couldn't get a hold of anyone on the radio. It was a bit chaotic. It was Nils' decision to stop and wait. And it was the right thing to do," he said to TV2 Denmark.

That chaos was compounded, in Bjerg’s view, by how quickly rival teams reacted.

"When Visma and Alpecin sit up and lead immediately when Tadej has a puncture, you think they're being pretty small-time."

With Pogačar in the rainbow jersey, there was little room for assistance or recovery behind the convoy. “When you're riding in the world champion's jersey, there's no help to be had. But that's how it is.”

Eventually, Pogačar rejoined the group of favourites just before they entered the Trouée d'Arenberg, with the help of Mikkel Bjerg, Nils Politt and Antonio Morgado.

Despite the pointed criticism, Bjerg acknowledged the tactical reality. "No, they have to keep it going too. It's a good situation for them. The group is divided. It's just a shame. I hate losing. I wanted to finish well."

Pogačar ultimately found his way to the front at the Trouée d'Arenberg and finished second after being beaten in the sprint by Wout van Aert, but for UAE, it offered only limited consolation. "I'm just happy he came in second. It's always nice to take something home. But that's not what we're here for."

Bjerg himself finished 124th, more than 19 minutes behind van Aert and Pogačar.