“It was one of my biggest goals" - Remco Evenepoel is back in a Rainbow Jersey after taking time-trial title

After the disappointment of losing his World Championships road race title on Sunday to Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel rebounded in the best way possible. The Belgian powered his way to a 12-second win in the individual time-trial.

“It was one of my biggest goals this season. To do it on such a difficult course that is not perfect for me is fantastic,” said a delighted Evenepoel in his post-race interview. “I just had a super good day. I was able to maintain a high pace. I am very happy with this victory. To be honest, I was able to drive faster than we planned. I was always riding 10 to 15 watts over my schedule. I knew I was having a good day."

Becoming the youngest ever men's elite individual time-trial world champion, Evenepoel overcame former two-time champion Filippo Ganna by just 12 seconds in a thrilling battle. "After the second intermediate point I knew I was second behind Filippo Ganna, but then my terrain started," he recaps. "The last climb was very tough, it gave an extra 'knife sting' in the legs.”

Referring to his disappointment in the road race, Evenepoel was delighted to return to winning ways. “It is a pity that Wout van Aert finished second. The course was too explosive for me," he concludes. "Today's course suited me much better. I really focused on the time trial. All the hours on the time trial bike have really paid off.”