I suppose, but we don’t know if he did “proper” pulls or just alibi-pulls. In any case, Skjelmose is usually one of the faster finishers amongst his peers; if he’d had anything left in the tank I think he would beat Remco 9 sprints out of 10. Well, maybe 7 sprints out of 10.

Yeah, but the lead in the last km is a big mistake even if it wasn't a 'pull' of some sort. If we look at the previous accelerations by Evenepoel in the climbs, the Belgian was always in leading position when he did them, and Skjelmose was making all efforts needed to stick to his wheel during the initial phase of acceleration. The same Van Aert was doing in Paris-Roubaix each time Pogatchar accelerated in front of him on cobbled sections or small humps: he was putting everything, even if that meant going into red zone, in the first seconds; because once he managed to stick to the Slovenian's wheel for those few seconds and not allow a gap to open, most danger was avoided, as next phase was bearable if he was still in the wheels.

And that's exactly what was made impossible by leading the last km. Even if you watch your opponent carefully, you have to produce your acceleration in the wind, in parallel with the guy taking you over, instead of benefiting of his draft during the initial phase where they put the more power. And then you have a few metres gap, and you're fucked, for Evenepoel/Pogatchar can still maintain a fair level of power.

Perhaps, but I saw Albert Philipsen chase down 3-4 attacks in the last 8 kms - surely there was no need to do that with Skjelmose 1½ minute up ahead. I think he could have podiumed without expending that energy.

OK you confirm he chased a few attacks. For the rest, it is difficult to form an opinion, as we couldn't see anything of the behaviour of that group in the Cauberg.

I agree that the field was a little weak this year, but it was a good race none the less.

Oh yeah, it was OK, both facts are independent (generally).