The red jersey remains firmly on @EvenepoelRemco's shoulders, after he defended himself in an incredible manner on Sierra Nevada, on the last #LaVuelta22 stage of this week. Photo: @GettySport
"I did a pretty good job" - Remco Evenepoel saves the day at Sierra Nevada and limits losses to Roglic and Mas
CyclingSunday, 04 September 2022 at 20:20
Remco Evenepoel shed time on stage 14, and heading into the queen stage at Sierra Nevada many wondered if he could hold his own on the brutal combination of climbs. Although the race leader shed time, it was not significant and he rode to stay in the red jersey on it's slopes.
“I felt better today. It's my first time racing at such an altitude, so I think I did a pretty good job," Evenepoel said after the finish. Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team could not hold back a strong breakaway that went up the road early on, but had Fausto Masnada in front, who later provided crucial support for Evenepoel in the final ascent. Not having been tested at the Alto del Purche, it was all to play for in the final climb where Jumbo-Visma entered with a very high pace, however with the Belgian on their wheel.
Evenepoel did a calm and collected race, pacing early on in the very steep slopes, and then again after Miguel Ángel López and Enric Mas attacked in the final ten kilometers. He did not look to play tactical, instead focusing on his own pace, and distancing himself from the presence of Primoz Roglic on his wheel. With this strategy - and strong legs - Evenepoel managed to cross the line only 36 seconds behind Mas and 15 behind Roglic at the finish line, maintaining a 2:01 and 1:34-minute gap to the duo respectively after the second week.
“In the last kilometers Roglic attacked me, that was to be expected. In the end I lost almost no time, I'm happy about that," Evenepoel said. Having the support of Masnada on the more gentle slopes of the final climb was a major boost, and he held a consistent pace all the way into the finish after being put under pressure. His hip pain - from a crash on stage 12 - was also managed, as he commented: “That was not easy to deal with. It went a bit better today, but my muscles still feel a bit stiff. I'm glad tomorrow is rest day."
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