"I wanted to show Jumbo-Visma that I did not lie about the fact that I am not aiming for GC" - Remco Evenepoel loses another 15 minutes

In the sixteenth stage of the Vuelta a España, which was ultimately won by Jumbo-Visma leader Jonas Vingegaard, leader of KoM classification Remco Evenepoel kept a low profile. Prior to the stage the 23-year old Belgian had already indicated that he wanted an extra day of rest and therefore finally put his words into action.

"This day is an extra day of recovery for myself. In the opening phase I will try to ensure that someone from our team can get into the break, but in the end I will let it go. Everyone gets a free role today, except me," the time trial world champion noted before the start of the 120 kilometer ride. And so it happened as he crossed the line almost fifteen minutes behind the stage winner.

"I did indeed let go at the end," said Evenepoel. "So it was a pretty relaxing day for myself. I took it easier because I wanted to show Jumbo-Visma that I did not lie about the fact that I am no longer aiming for the classification," he explains his reasoning behind keeping calm. "Participating in breakaways is more about defending the mountain jersey and if I smell a chance for a new stage victory."

On seventeen stage, a possible opportunity presents itself for Evenepoel with finish up the mythical Angliru. "The stage afterward is also a great opportunity," added Patrick Lefevere.