"It's annoying. Those guys didn't take over, but they do it when it suits them. It was very clear that all the guys from Alpecin were here to help him. Although I had expected that we would race in [national] teams." Stuyven expressed frustration regarding the Belgian cyclists' apparent collaboration with Van der Poel during the race, expecting solidarity in national representation instead.
"It wasn't up to us to close the gap. But we weren't really a limiting factor. We always tried to take turns a bit. I would've liked to win myself. Ultimately, we all try to go for the title. I don't think it was really a problem." Vermeersch's response indicates a lack of regret regarding team dynamics, suggesting competition rather than obligation.
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