"Does Cian want to take over the jersey? Why not" - Evenepoel not unwilling to let go of red jersey at Vuelta a Espana

Tactics matter in the Grand Tours. Soudal - Quick-Step are aware that they will be a prey when the mountain stages arrive against stronger teams such as Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates, and Remco Evenepoel does not have a problem with temporarily giving away his jersey to someone else.

"We knew that the last 5 kilometers was one with a lot of roundabouts, quite technical. Fortunately I have super good and experienced guys like Cattaneo and Pedersen by my side. They kept me perfectly in front," the race leader said at the end of stage 4 where he ended close to the Top10, avoiding time splits and keeping himself safe and in red for stage 5, on a day where he also confirmed to not be suffering from his injuries of the post-stage 3 incident.

Evenepoel will have a difficult time in the multi-climb stages where both teams may use their depth to put him under pressure, and with the red jersey on his shoulders it's possible that many will come down on him. Very early in the race still and with many riders not far from the lead of the overall classification, Evenepoel admits he would not mind giving it away.

Asked by Belgian Sporza, if he'd oppose compatriot Cian Uijtdebroeks taking over the race, this was his answer: "Does Cian want to take over the jersey? Why not, hey. If he wants to. We can try. But first I have to focus on tomorrow, getting through that stage well."