Soudal - Quick-Step can look back at the Tour de France stage 4 with satisfaction. Remco Evenepoel came second in Valloire after being among the strogest riders on Galibier and his teammates - especially Mikel Landa - were up there to support the Belgian for as long as possible.
Tom Steels, Evenepoel's mentor and sports director, told his view of the stage at Sporza afterwards. "It was more than okay today. We've gotten through the hectic days and the first mountain stage. Maybe Pogacar is out of competition, but we're in a good position. I think everyone was at their max on the Galibier, that's where you are. That he could go for second place was great. Everyone was suffering. With these guys in the group, the battle for the top places will continue."
Steels was also very pleased with the team performance. "We saw Mikel Landa there, so we were one of the few teams with two men in front. Ilan Van Wilder, Jan Hirt and Gianni Moscon were also there for a long time. It is very important for Remco that Mikel is there. He is calm, he motivates him on and off the bike. That is very important and his experience certainly helps him."
Through bonification, Evenepoel is currently second also in the general classification, 45 seconds behind Tadej Pogacar as he holds five seconds advantage over third Jonas Vingegaard.
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