Jasper Philipsen has in his personal column for The importance of Limburg looked back on an exceptional day in the Vuelta a España. The eleventh stage was overshadowed by external disruptions and personal physical doubts, so that the Sprinter of Alpecin-DECEUNINCK thinks aloud about a possible departure from De Ronde.
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Hectic day through protest
The ride to Bilbao was anything but normal. Philipsen, who already booked two stage victories and brought his totally to fifteen in large rounds, speaks of a hectic day. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators appeared along the course, who forced the peloton to the brakes for a moment.
“On the way to Bilbao I experienced something that has not happened to me yet,” writes the Belgian. “We had to squeeze a lot. The protesters used the visibility of the Vuelta to reinforce their message, but that endangered safety.”
According to Philipsen, there was already consultation between riders and organization about possible scenarios in advance. The neutralization hung in the air and was confirmed via the radio during the race. “Because I was in a back -plucking group, we heard the message well. I can understand that riders in the leading group will get it less clearly.”
Doubt after the day of rest
In addition to the external circumstances, his own physical condition also plays a role in uncertainty. Philipsen admits that he was not properly consuming the day of rest. “I recover very slowly from the efforts. In that case we have to consider a possibly fixed amount in the coming days,” said the 26-year-old Sprinter. “If they are just a few lesser moments, I hope the condition is recovering.”
The situation within the team is also concerned. Two teammates – Ramses Debruyne and Luca Geneallito – had to leave the Vuelta with abdominal complaints. Philipsen speaks of a “possible virus” in the team. “Of course not nice. I don’t have any symptoms myself, but it can always come. It keeps waiting.”
