Greig Leach

The duo of Nils Politt (Bora-Hansgrohe) and Mikkel Honore (Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl) were never able to build up a big advantage over the peloton behind. I don't think they ever got over a two minute advantage. After going over the Cote d'Ambialet, Politt looked back at Honore seemingly asking how he was doing. The other question perhaps was, "should we keep going, or is this worthless now?" Every rider must ration their efforts over the three week of the Tour. Think of a box of matches, you only have so many to strike before your box is empty. So it is with a three week Tour, you can only put in but so many hard days before your body is simply empty. Hopefully, one will not burn one's matches vainly.