Roodhooft wants more bite from Philipsen in green jersey fight with Pedersen
Jasper Philipsen closed to within 36 points of Mads Pedersen in the Tour de France points classification on Saturday, but Alpecin-Premier Tech manager Christoph Roodhooft would still like to see a more combative approach from his sprinter.
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Philipsen and Pedersen have fought for almost every available point in recent days, particularly at the intermediate sprints. Their contests have often been tight and physical, but any tension has usually disappeared as soon as they cross the line.
The pair have regularly exchanged a handshake after their duels, including after an intermediate sprint on Thursday in which Pedersen moved across the road and left Philipsen with little space.
The jury reviewed the incident and Pedersen spoke to the commissaires while a possible relegation was considered. He was eventually given a warning but allowed to keep the result and the 20 points.
Philipsen showed no sign of frustration afterwards and shook hands with the Dane. Roodhooft was less impressed by the friendly response.
“I do not need to see those handshakes after every sprint,” Roodhooft said. “Everyone can decide that for themselves, but for me they are not necessary.”
The Alpecin-Premier Tech manager believes the fight for the green jersey could do with a little more edge.
“I do not feel they have ever shown us that much compassion,” he said. “It is not my style. From a sporting point of view, I would like to see a bit more bite.”
Philipsen continued to apply pressure on Saturday by winning the intermediate sprint. Pedersen finished behind him, allowing the Belgian to reduce his deficit in the points classification to 36 points.
The gap remains significant, but the contest is far from over. With further intermediate sprints and a possible opportunity on the final stage in Paris, Alpecin intend to keep testing Pedersen and Lidl-Trek at every chance.
“We have to keep trying,” Roodhooft said. “It is an important goal for the team. We have no other option.”
Pedersen is looking to complete the Grand Tour points classification set, while Philipsen, a former winner of the green jersey in 2023, will not give up until Paris in trying to stop the Dane.
Eddy Merckx, Laurent Jalabert, Djamolidine Abdoujaparov, Alessandro Petacchi and Mark Cavendish have won the points classification at all three Grand Tours.
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