thats more it. Vlasov's early season form surprised them so they were left with a choice between building a team around him, or building one around Sam (cos they can't do both). Sam's form was probably a factor for sure, though the sprint field isn't exactly that hot either (Cavendish was left home too), but for whatever reason, GC won out.Vlasov has been great this season winning stage races in Valencia, Romandie and a few other near misses - 3rd in Basque Country and Fleche Wallonne
also he took the lead in the Tour de Suisse after winning a stage but couldn't start the next day due to Covid.
He's currently in 8th place but they were hoping for a bit more from him .
they took Danny Van Poppel but told him he's on his own in the sprints.