"It's really stupid and a shame because Julian was in good shape" - Evenepoel down on support as Vuelta a Espana heads into high mountains

Stage 11 was on paper and on road an easy day for the peloton, however one that Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team could not enjoy as Remco Evenepoel lost one of his main domestiques in Julian Alaphilippe - whose preparation for the World championships may have suffered a deadly blow.

"This is certainly a less beautiful day than we expected. I didn't see any of it, because I was riding for him," Remco Evenepoel told reporters after the end of the stage. "But especially on a quiet day that is very unfortunate. I hope he is well and that he is not in too much pain. I wish him all the best".

Out of the wind as several teams looked to control the breakaway, Quick-Step was enjoying a bit of a recovery day in the peloton until 63 kilometers to go. Alaphilippe crashed and was complaining about pain in a shoulder, possibly with a broken collarbone.

“Julian has been doing really well in the last few days, but we are not the only team to lose riders. It's really stupid and a shame because Julian was in good shape. But I also have a lot of confidence in my other teammates for the coming weeks," Evenepoel brought out. However down to five teammates, the Belgian will be having less and less support for the upcoming crucial stages.