It’s Barry’s worst nightmare, and also might explain why The Thinker’s actual goals are been hidden so far.
Similar to how things have generally gone for Barry in the past, each one of his attempts to shakedown DeVoe has ended in Barry getting outsmarted, and usually with public humiliation involved.
Which leads us to DeVoe, The Thinker, himself.
So what better way to usurp that confidence than to pit him against someone who seemingly cannot be taken out by speed alone?