Besides, even if he gave chase, it would be difficult for him to win the S1 Stage.
After all, sprinters like Pedersen from Trek Team and Van Aert from Visma Team were still in the peloton.
There was no need for him to ruin Bardet's shot at victory only to do the dirty work for the other GC teams.
As Bardet broke away, Huang Chong also got out of the saddle, put in a few hard pedal strokes, and surged out of the main group.
This startled the Visma Team, who was controlling the pace, and they immediately accelerated in pursuit.
However, just as Huang Chong rode out of the peloton, he quickly slowed down.
This was because on the steepest section of this second-category climb, teams were permitted to set up a feed zone with their support staff.
He was just going to grab a water bottle from the support staff.
After successfully grabbing a bottle for himself and one for Roglič, he immediately returned to the peloton.
This prompted the Visma Team manager to curse:
