Philipsen throws helmet in frustration after perfect leadout falls short: ‘When I cannot reach my level, that is not enjoyable’

The Belgian appeared ideally positioned to challenge for victory in Bordeaux, with his teammates taking control of the peloton inside the final two kilometres. Mathieu van der Poel delivered Philipsen into the finishing straight from the front, but the sprinter was unable to capitalise and was passed by four riders in the closing metres.

Tim Merlier powered clear to claim the stage for Soudal Quick-Step, beating Søren Wærenskjold (Uno-X Mobility) and Biniam Girmay (NSN Cycling Team). Philipsen crossed the line in fifth place.

His frustration was clear shortly after the finish, when he threw his helmet before reflecting on a missed opportunity that had been set up perfectly by his teammates.

“I was in the position to start the sprint,” Philipsen told Sporza. “I could launch, but there was not enough speed. That is disappointing because the team did everything perfectly.”

Philipsen had regained his composure by the time he spoke to reporters, although he acknowledged that the result had been difficult to accept after such a precise performance from his leadout train.

“Of course there is frustration after the race, but that is part of the sport,” he said. “When I cannot reach my level, that is not enjoyable.

“I actually felt quite good, but I simply could not find the explosiveness in the final 200 metres. It is a shame, but I did everything I could. It was not enough.”

Alpecin-Premier Tech manager Philip Roodhooft was blunt in his assessment of the finish.

“It was a perfect leadout and the sprinter did not finish it off today,” he said to Sporza.

Roodhooft nevertheless insisted there was no reason for the team to panic, pointing to the quality of the work completed before Philipsen opened his sprint.

“I think it is logical that Jasper was not happy, especially because he saw how good the leadout was,” Roodhooft said. “But we have to take the positives from this and recognise that the automatisms are there. The victory will come.

“The qualities are there and the automatisms are there. There is no reason to doubt. The fact that everything ran smoothly until Jasper’s effort is a good sign.”

Philipsen had already indicated before the stage that he had not fully recovered from the previous days, which had featured demanding racing and high temperatures.

“Everything in the preparation was perfect, but everyone knows what the past few days have required in terms of effort and heat,” Roodhooft said. “Some riders will have recovered better than others. Jasper knew this morning that his recovery was not perfect, but more opportunities are coming.”

Philipsen also looked ahead rather than dwelling on the missed chance.

“The Tour is still long,” he said. “I will try to make the most of every opportunity. I hope the feeling improves, but I have to accept how things are at the moment. There are still several chances and hopefully we can take them with better legs.”