Why did Jasper Philipsen feel pressure despite previous wins?

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Jasper Philipsen Felt Pressure Due to Expectations of Delivering Stage Wins

Jasper Philipsen admitted to feeling significant pressure leading up to his dominant victory on Stage 17 of the Tour de France, attributing it to the team's focus on stage wins and the high expectations that accompany a dedicated lead-out squad. Despite having secured multiple stage victories in previous editions of the Tour, including winning the green jersey in 2023, Philipsen described the initial part of the current race as "horrible" due to a lack of form and consistent top-five finishes in sprint stages. This created a personal burden to deliver results, even though the team did not explicitly demand wins.
Team's Focus on Stage Wins Creates Expectations

Philipsen highlighted that the team's strategic preparation, the provision of a full lead-out squad, and their objective of securing stage wins rather than focusing on the General Classification (GC) inherently generate expectations. While the team doesn't impose direct demands that would lead to severe repercussions for not winning, the collective investment in his sprint capabilities and the absence of GC aspirations place a considerable weight on him to consistently perform. This dynamic is a common aspect of professional cycling, where sprinters are often the focal point for achieving stage victories.
Past Near Misses and Lead-out Dynamics Contributed to Pressure

The pressure was exacerbated by a series of near misses in earlier sprint stages, where Philipsen had finished in the top five multiple times without securing a win. In some of these instances, his lead-out rider, Mathieu van der Poel, had initiated the final sprint perhaps a fraction too early. This premature acceleration could lead to Philipsen being unable to maintain his speed and being overtaken before the finish line, a scenario that had previously occurred, often against competitor Tim Merlier.
Absence of Key Competitor and Strong Lead-out Facilitated Victory

The absence of a key competitor, Tim Merlier, who had withdrawn from the Tour earlier, also played a role in the dynamics of the decisive sprint. With Merlier out of contention, Philipsen found himself facing a different competitive landscape. Crucially, his teammate Mathieu van der Poel provided a powerful and well-timed lead-out, which Philipsen acknowledged as a significant advantage. The privilege of having a lead-out rider of Van der Poel's calibre, a former world champion and a specialist in one-day classics, further amplified the desire and expectation for Philipsen to convert such a strong setup into a victory.

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Why did Jasper Philipsen feel pressure despite previous wins?

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