Remco Evenepoel has found in the last week of the Tour the version I had been looking for since the beginning. First he knocked down Tadej Pogacar in Plateau de Solaison. two days then he surpassed him again in the time trial of 26.1 kilometers between Evian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains. Two stages in a row, two blows on the cyclist who dominates the race and a sensation that the Belgian himself repeats: his body responds better as he gets closer Paris. “It is incredible to get two wins in a row,” he acknowledged after putting on his helmet again. rainbow.
The chrono confirmed that it is not just a streak of results. Evenepoel He was the best on a course that required much more than power on the flat. The Larringes Hilla technical descent and the final kilometers next to the Lake Geneva They measured their ability to adapt to all terrains. He world champion and Olympic of the specialty he secured victory in 32.19 minutesto 48.4 km/hwith 28 seconds advantage over Pogacar. “I feel very good, in the first kilometers I gave my maximum and I thought I could pay for it on the descent, but I felt strong. I can only be happy for what I have done.”
He Belgian He left the ramp ready to empty himself from the first meter. He was already ahead in six seconds to the yellow jersey at the first intermediate point and extended his income during the rest of the route. He didn’t waste time on the climb, he maintained control between the curves of the descent and squeezed his aerodynamic position in the fastest section. Its new material, the front wheel and the work done to adjust the posture on the bicycle allowed it to perform in the mountains, downhill and on the flat. The chrono He did not hide any weakness.
Evenepoel He has also recovered the gesture. He arrived at Tour with a good level, still far from its ceiling. The days have been honing the legs of a runner who accumulates 76 wins, 26 of them against the clock, and four wins of stage in the french round. Your personal marker in the chronos facing Pogacar is now in 3-2. “At the beginning of the Tour I felt good but not incredible, but I’m getting better, every day I feel better and I’m arriving in impressive shape,” he explained.
This growth does not modify the reality of the classification. Pogacar preserves 4.32 minutes advantage and controls yellow with a wide cushion. Evenepoel has reinforced the second position and has 2.19 about Isaac del Toro, third. The fight that opens in the Alps is behind the Slovenian. The leader of Red Bull Bora He faces the decisive stage with the intention of defending his place on the podium and taking advantage of any stage opportunity that appears. Orcieres-Merlette or in the two arrivals at Alpe d’Huez.
The loss of Florian Lipowitz alters his plans. He Germanone of the best climbers on the team, abandoned after a hard fall in the descent of Larynxes. Evenepoel He did not know what happened until after crossing the finish line and checking the times. The joy of winning in front of his family and in the Belgian national holiday She was pierced by her partner’s blow. “I will miss him in the last week“Now I have to carry the team on my back.”
The second square, under surveillance
Del Toro appears as the immediate threat and Paul Seixas is still in the fight for the podium, just 20 seconds of the Mexican. Evenepoel You will have to control the movements of both during three alpine days in which wear and tear can open up much larger differences than those seen until now. His margin allows him to run with his head, it also forces him to respond when his rivals rush out as if someone had turned off the lights. Without Lipowitzhe Belgian You will take on more responsibility for port selection and will need the rest of the team to Red Bull Bora put on your overalls from the first ramps.
Before there will come the stage between Chambery and Voiron, 174.7 kilometers with four ports concentrated on the first 60 and an ending that could favor a breakaway or the few sprinters who remain in the race. It will be the last breath of the men in the general classification. Then they will appear Orcieres-Merlette and the Alpe d’Huez twice. Evenepoel will enter that block dressed as rainbow, second of the Tour and with two wins consecutive in the legs. “I am proud and happy with the performance I have given in this chrono”.