"Immediately got a blow on my elbow. I think some blood came out" - Remco Evenepoel looks to explain Chrono des Nations disappointment

Remco Evenepoel was unable to cap off his 2023 season with victory at the Chrono des Nations, the Belgian time-trial World Champion finished a close second behind European Champion, Joshua Tarling.

"My feeling is quite okay. I rode a good time and don't think I could have done any faster. I started well, but so did Tarling and he actually held on to the lead he built up there until the finish," Evenepoel told HLN in his post-race interview. "He started a little faster and that was the difference today. It was an even match and although I got a little closer to the finish, I shouldn't look for excuses. He was just a little better today."

Despite saying he wasn't looking to make any excuses, Evenepoel did believe there was a couple of reasons why victory didn't go his way. "I drove over a deep hole from the start and immediately got a blow on my elbow. I think some blood came out again, although that probably wouldn't have made a difference today. But it is more convenient if you don't feel anything on a time trial bike," he suggests.

"It was a difficult time trial, I fought a lot against the wind and I think men weighing 80 kilos can do that a little better. Sometimes I get shaken from left to right in a crosswind and that was difficult," Evenepoel closes. "The last heavy effort on a difficult course, nice to end with. It was a great season, with many victories and podium finishes."