“Everyone gets a free role today, except me" - Remco Evenepoel planning to use stage 16 of the Vuelta as an extra rest day

With his Red Jersey ambitions morphing into an attempt on the King of the Mountains classification, Remco Evenepoel is planning to allow himself an easy day on stage 16 of the Vuelta a Espana, saving his legs for more mountainous days to come.

“At the start I will try to ensure that one of us can get into the breakaway, but in the end I will let it go as indicated,” the Soudal - Quick-Step leader says in a pre-stage 16 interview with Het Nieuwsblad. “Everyone gets a free role today, except me.”

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The big news in the cycling world prior to stage 16 though, is the tragic story of Nathan Van Hooydonck. The Jumbo-Visma rider being involved in a very serious car crash alongside his family and being rushed to hospital where, at time of writing, he is currently in critical condition.

“I saw something about it, but I haven't looked at it in the last hour," Evenepoel said on the matter. “No one knows what the situation is at the moment. Of course it is a shock. It is always a shock when such news appears. I just hope he's okay and stays okay. For his loved ones, his team and his loved ones, we all send our maximum support.”

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Nathan Van Hooydonck is involved in a serious traffic accident: remains in critical condition after being resuscitated

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Raining at #LaVuelta23, where @LouisVervaeke has joined a strong breakaway.

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