"Does Cian want to take over the jersey? Why not" - Evenepoel not unwilling to let go of red jersey at Vuelta a Espana
Cycling
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."
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- wtf dudemij07-11-2026
- big rival … ridiculous.Ketterechts07-11-2026
- It would be great if the World Champion's jersey could be rotated among McNulty, Simmons, and Jorgenson. They threaded the needle perfectly. If each hadn't done exactly what he did, exactly when he did it, the race would have gone to one of the more heralded superstars. That said, how nice that this humble and hardworking guy gets his moment in the sun.
MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I get the point totally. We live in the snowflake society where some riders forget they are getting paid to ride and get results. When they have a few issues they try to look outside of the real issue instead of themselves. It odd so many of the team are making no complaints and getting on with their job. If you do not like what you do find another job simples. Tough love as my mum would say.paultryan200207-11-2026
- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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1️⃣8️⃣ #LaVuelta23 red jerseys for @EvenepoelRemco 🤘 Photo: @BeelWout
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