The test of time, another test of Evenepoel’s leadership

From youth to Remco Evenepoel a bright future was seen for him. A serious accident two years ago in Lombardy cut short his irresistible ascent, but the Belgian, fully recovered from that great terror, aspired at the age of 22 to dethrone the king of Back to Spain, primoz roglic10 years older than him (32) and winner of the last three editions (2019, 2020, 2021).

After his exhibitions in the mountains, Evenepoel has another chance this Tuesday to extend his advantage as leader of the general classification in the time trial between Elche Y Alicante (30.9 kms), where Roglic, far from his best version so far, has to push himself to continue the fight for the red jersey: the Slovenian (3rd) is already 1’53” behind by Remco.

“It was a very difficult week, but I had a good feeling and a dream to wear the red jersey before the time trial,” Evenepoel said on the rest day.

“I have yet to win a stage and that is still my main goal. It is very special to wear the leader’s jersey and be in front of the best climbers in the world. It’s a dream come true, but I also want a stage win in a Grand Tour. I hope I can do it in the time trial”, said the Belgian, who highlighted the work of his team and, especially, of the two-time world champion. Julian Alaphilippe.

“Bringing Alaphilippe to the front is like sitting on the sofa. The team is better known for the classics, but what we showed this week was really special. I think to the side Ineos we were the best team representatives on the last climb, four cyclists with me. I believe that Quick step He showed his strength in the mountains”, highlighted Evenepoel.

“Remco is the strongest, I don’t know if it can explode one day, but it has been the best in the whole Vuelta, it gives the best version since it became professionals. Until the opposite is proven, it is necessary let’s accept it that way,” he appreciated Enrique More2nd overall, 1’12” behind the Belgian and therefore watching for any detail in the fight for the podium.

“Hopefully I will do a good time trial and not lose too much time. I will give everything. Sometimes I have made good times and I hope that this time it will be the same. I live every day. On the road I was with the strongest and that motivates. As for the personal doubts you may have, I worked in between periods tours and come back. I keep asking myself that I answer positively and I hope this continues. I will sacrifice myself to win the Vuelta. I want to do everything or nothing for the Vuelta”, said Mas.

This is the general of the Vuelta

1. Remco Evenepoel (Bel/Quick-Step) 34h.02’32”
2. Enric Mas (ESP/Movistar Team) at 1’12”
3. Primoz Roglic (Esl/Jumbo-Visma) at 1’53”
4. Carlos Rodríguez (ESP/Ineos) at 2’33”
5. Juan Ayuso (ESP/UAE Team) at 2’36”
6. Simon Yates (GBR/BikeExchange) in 3’08”
7. João Almeida (For/UAE Team) at 4’32”
8. Miguel Ángel López (Col/Astana) at 5’03”
9. Jai Hindley (Aus/Bora-hansgrohe) at 5’36”
10. Pavel Sivakov (Fra/Ineos) at 5’39”
11. Thymen Arensman (PB/Team DSM) at 5’45”
12. Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBR/Ineos) at 5’51”
13. Ben O’Connor (Aus/AG2R-Citroën) at 5’53”
14. Alejandro Valverde (ESP/Movistar) id.
15. Hugh Carthy (GBR/EF Education) at 5’58”
16. Louis Meintjes (RSA/Intermarche) at 6’44”
17. Mark Padun (Ucr/EF Education) at 7’47”
18. David De la Cruz (ESP/Astana) at 7’57”
19. Gino Mäder (Sui/Bahrain) at 8’15”
20. Rigoberto Urán (Col/EF Education) at 8’42”
24. Luis León Sánchez (ESP/Bahrain) in 11’25”
26. Richard Carapaz (Ecu/Ineos) in 14’34”
27. Óscar Cabedo (ESP/Burgos-BH) at 16’28”
28. Mikel Landa (ESP/Bahrain) at 5:00 pm
164 and later. From Tiers (Bel/Alpecin) in 2h.37’07”