"Often the second day after a crash is often my worst day" - Remco Evenepoel unsure of legs in hilly Itzulia day

Remco Evenepoel crashed on the opening seconds of Itzulia Basque Country, but the injuries were not too meaningful. The Soudal - Quick-Step rider is nevertheless just looking to get through these easier days before the fight for the overall classification kicks off once again.

"It's going to be a tough start and we hope to have control over the start. Often the second day after a crash is often my worst day, so hopefully it's not the case today as I need the legs but we will see," Evenepoel told CyclingPro.net this morning. "I had a good night of sleep and everything is under control, we'll try to survive today."

The Belgian finished fourth in the early time-trial losing 11 seconds to Primoz Roglic but still, despite his lack of luck, gaining 4 seconds on Jonas Vingegaard. It was an impressive performance from the World Champion who sprinted for one bonus second this Tuesday, and is hoping to have the legs later in the week to match the best in the tougher days.

But he's not thinking of attacking a possibly open finale on stage 3. "No, I'm gonna have a quick look and see what's gonna happen. Some guys want to go to the line with a reduced group. We are open for every situation," he tells. "If we go with a group for the line I will not go for it, if it will be a smaller group we'll try."