"I hope that all doubters will believe in me now" - Remco Evenepoel's third place at Tour has a lot of promise into future

Remco Evenepoel wasn't going to take the final time trial in Nice and easy, but it didn't mean anything against the dominant Tadej Pogacar and so, just like in the general classsification, the young Belgian has to settle for third place. At least, there's a White jersey to bring home for the Soudal - Quick-Step rider.

"I’ve been through a lot again this year. I’ve had a lot of pressure, a lot of doubts from outside," Evenepoel said at Sporza. "I’ve worked really hard to be at this level. To do it and finish after the two best riders in the world is really special and great. It’s a confirmation of the hard work I’ve done."

Evenepoel did not have an ideal run-up to the Tour. "It certainly was not easy, the fall at the Itzulia Basque Country did not help. It was a rush, but it ended well. That can only be good for the future. I also see these performances as a nice answer to all doubters and critics. I hope that all doubters continue to believe in me and that it is over with saying that I cannot ride grand tours."

What is the most important lesson Evenepoel learned this Tour? "If someone is better, you just have to keep doing your own thing. Today you see again that Tadej is outstanding. I finished very close to Jonas again. It may not have been my best time trial, the Col d'Eze was not my best part. On the flat I was able to make up some ground. It was very difficult, the barrel was a bit empty. I gave it my all. I take one thing with me: that there is still a lot of margin and that I want to come back and try to win."

The focus is soon back on the Olympic Games. On Saturday 27 June, Evenepoel is already one of the big favourites in the time trial. "Tonight we are going to enjoy it. It is special, standing on the podium and winning the white jersey. It may be the only time in my entire career that I am on the podium of the Tour. From tomorrow onwards, the focus will be on Saturday."