'Everyone is such a fan of Wout and Mathieu that whatever you do is wrong': Oliver Naesen hits back at social media critics of Ag2r-Citroën tactics

The Belgian expressed his frustration after criticism of his and Greg Van Avermaet's performances in the Classics so far

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Oliver Naesen has expressed his frustration at social media criticism levelled at him and his team-mate Greg Van Avermaet for their performances in the Classics so far, saying that there is favouritism towards Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Fenix) and Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma).

The Ag2r-Citroën pair both featured prominently in the E3 Saxo Bank Classic last Friday, with Naesen finishing fourth and Van Avermaet in sixth. They then were unable to make the front group in Ghent-Wevelgem two days later, chasing on over a minute behind for much of the race before finishing 16th and 12th respectively. Much of the criticism rose after E3 though, when they were accused of failing to prevent Kasper Asgreen from going solo from a group that contained two other Deceuninck-Quick-Step riders, Dylan van Baarle (Ineos Grenadiers), and Van der Poel.

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Richard Windsor

Follow on Twitter: @richwindy


Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.


An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).