“I could see I was closing in on Tadej Pogacar – I just rode as fast as I could" - Remco Evenepoel completes Worlds TT hat-trick with incredible Kigali ride

Remco Evenepoel confirmed his reputation as the greatest time triallist of his generation with a breathtaking display in Kigali, storming to a third consecutive World Championship title against the clock. The Belgian was in a class of his own from the opening split, opening up vast gaps on his rivals and sealing an instantly iconic moment as he caught and passed Tadej Pogacar on the cobbled climb into the finish.

“It felt pretty good straight away,” Evenepoel said after pulling on another rainbow jersey. “On the flat I could tell my legs were turning well and I was able to hold my speed without going over the limit. The first climb was fairly tough and I pushed hard there. I saw the gap was already big at the first time check and I wanted to keep that pace going.”

The punishing final sector, however, tested even the Belgian’s powers. “I started to hate those cobbles at a certain point,” he admitted. “Man, that was brutal. But in the end I won, and that’s what counts.”

Evenepoel’s ride will be remembered for the image of him closing in on Pogacar with 2km to go before powering past his rival on the uphill cobbles. “On a day like this, it doesn’t matter who the rider in front of you is,” he reflected. “I could see I was closing in and I knew I had to keep pushing, but it was tough in the end. I didn’t want to go over my limit on the cobbles, because the finale was still difficult. But I just rode as fast as I could, and I had a great day. Hopefully I can carry this into next week.”

Victory in Kigali sees Evenepoel join Tony Martin and Michael Rogers on three straight time trial rainbow jerseys. “That’s an impressive list,” he said. “It’s an honour for me. Next year I want to go for a fourth title. I want to be the first rider to win four in a row. But for now, I just want to enjoy this success.”

There was also praise for bronze medallist Ilan Van Wilder, his compatriot and team-mate. “He’s from my generation, and what a phenomenal day it was for both of us,” Evenepoel said.

For Evenepoel, it was another step into cycling’s history books — and a reminder that when he is on form, few in the world can even hope to compete.