Originally Posted by cmq2:
“From what I saw I am not sure the spoiler content is correct.
On BBC coverage, I saw the Rio (non-team) mechanics adjusting his seat post or saddle connection at one point (so not just punctures). Also, official provisional result said he was lapped so not allowed to complete (rather than an abandon). He was shown at another time going over a short sharp descent on foot that the commentators suggested probably was another mechanical.
He looked like he had the strength and could tough out taking the wrong lines but his bike was not up to it. Perhaps he used a heavier, more robust bike in his youth? He did not display the skill of the leaders in negotiating the course.
He is probably rueing the advice/assessment of the RR as a climbers course. He is more than capable of keeping up with and being in a chase for the line with Van Avermaet and Fuglsang.”
The OBS TV cameras didn't really follow Sagan after his 1st puncture. I wasn't entirely sure if he was pulled out of the race by the officials or he quit as initially suggested by the race commentators.
Sagan apparently hadn't done a MTB XC World Cup round since 2009, so we had no idea of where he stood against the likes of Schurter. It's a real skill not to suffer flat tyres on these courses.
It was in hindsight, a mistake to not do the Rio Road Race.
This image sums it up really.