"Plans changed a bit when Remco Evenepoel dropped out the Giro" - Ethan Vernon no longer confident of a place on Soudal - Quick-Step for the Vuelta a Espana

After his fifth-placed finish on the individual time-trial at the British National Championships, Ethan Vernon spoke to Channel VeloUk about his future plans for the remainder of the year.

Although the 22-year-old had hoped to be making a Grand Tour debut later this year at the Vuelta a Espana, he now believes he may be forced to wait a little longer. “I think maybe I could have done the Vuelta this year but plans changed a bit when Remco Evenepoel dropped out the Giro," says the Soudal - Quick-Step rider.

If Evenepoel is heading to the Vuelta, looking to defend his title, the Belgian will be coming with a whole team built solely around securing the overall win for him. As such, Vernon's chances are slim.

"I think plans have changed and maybe he does the Vuelta now," Vernon explains. "So I think maybe not a possibility this year. Then next year the Tour and the Vuelta aren't really an option because of the Olympics so we'll have to wait and see.”