Evenepoel smashes competition at Les Praeres with "the legs to go full throttle"

Remco Evenepoel had put on a dominant stance at the Vuelta a Espana up to stage nine, however to close off the opening week he put in a brilliant performance that saw him take serious time on his rivals, in what is one of the shortest uphill finishes.

"This was the plan. We wanted to let the leading group ride for the win, because it's always better that the bonuses are gone," Evenepoel told Eurosport. As in yesterday's stage, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team opted to keep a calm rhythm throughout the day instead of chasing a stage win. "It was perfect that the escapees took the stage victory. It was up to me to take time. I had the legs to go full throttle and I'm very happy with what we showed as a team."

Evenepoel was active early on, chasing himself down a move from Richard Carapaz. After the breakaway went up the road however the race calmed down, but into the final ascent it went up quite explosively once again, as the Belgian got a leadout in the very sketchy run-up to Les Praeres. A short climb, however with incredibly steep gradients. One where Evenepoel thrived, making his move within the first kilometer of the 3.8-kilometer ascent, and quickly building a meaningful gap.

The stage win was up front with Louis Meintjes crossing the line first, but for the second consecutive time, Evenepoel was the first non-breakaway rider to cross it afterwards. “My lead is important to everyone, regardless of the rider or the name. The Vuelta is far from over and we must always be focused and careful. This situation is much better than if I were behind. A big thumbs up to the team who did a great job," he said.

Evenepoel took 34 seconds on his most direct rival Juan Ayuso, however most importantly he extended his lead on Enric Mas and Primoz Roglic by 44 and 52 seconds respectively. He will head into the race's only individual time-trial in the lead, and is expected to increase it.

"I want to try to enjoy the time trial in my red jersey. To ride it in the red jersey is a dream come true. I know the course and know what to expect. My family is also there Tuesday; I will give everything," Evenepoel concluded.