"Look at Primož… He has won every race he started this year" - Remco Evenepoel evaluates his Vuelta competition

Remco Evenepoel's defence of his Vuelta a Espana looks like being a real challenge given the immense level of competition in this year's race. Speaking at a press conference, Evenepoel evaluated his rivals.

When asked for who he feels the best rider in the peloton is currently, Evenepoel actually first mentions someone not competing at the Vuelta. “In terms of numbers, I should say Pogačar. What does he have? Ninety victories this season? One hundred and fifty?” laughs the reigning champion of the Spanish Grand Tour. “No, I think there are sixteen. In terms of results, I always have to say Tadej."

“Now look at Primož… He has won every race he started this year. With the exception of the Vuelta a Burgos, these were all World Tour races," Evenepoel says of arguably his main rival, Primoz Roglic. "When you talk about regularity, you should always say Roglič."

Roglic's Jumbo-Visma teammate, Jonas Vingegaard is again, another of the hot favourites for the Red Jersey at the Vuelta a Espana. "Jonas Vingegaard wins the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France," says Evenepoel. "Everyone is impressive in their own way."

There's one man who has stood out more than anyone else in the eyes of Evenepoel throughout 2023 however. "But if you look at the quality of the wins, I would say Mathieu van der Poel. Two monuments, world champion, second in the Tour of Flanders and the E3 Saxo Classic… That is phenomenal!” He praises. "For me Mathieu is the most impressive this year. After me, of course.”