"Ready for anything" - Remco Evenepoel does not discard scenarios in potential battle with Pogacar and Vingegaard

Remco Evenepoel is entering stage 10 of the Tour de France in second place only behind Tadej Pogacar and is going in open minded towards the first day in the mountains. Whilst not the type of climb that will decide the Grand Boucle, there is no underestimating how important the Bastille Day's stage can be in the outcome of the race.

This morning, the Belgian showed himself quite positive, specially after Soudal - Quick-Step's third stage win in the space of nine days. "But it's true that we'll be climbing for the first time. It'll be a first day purely on the legs," Evenepoel said in an interview with Sporza. "I'm starting with an open mind. I have to be ready for all scenarios and tactics. It's going to be an important day, but honestly, I have no idea what to expect."

A GC battle is certain for the final ascent to Le Mont Dore but the real question is how much action will happen throughout the day, specially as Visma eye a potential GC raid in the very hilly day through the Massif Central. Evenepoel is not a target of these possible attacks, but has to be ready for any scenario. "I have to be ready for anything and I'm ready to show the best version of myself, but I don't think the Tour will be won today".

Quick-Step will also have an important test as the race goes into some serious climbing for the first time, and there are serious concerns over how Evenepoel may become isolated in this terrain rather quickly - specially after the departure of Mattia Cattaneo who had been a right-hand man for Evenepoel.

Team DS Klaas Lodewyck: "Is this a Remco stage? It could just as easily be a Pogacar stage. We certainly can't let ourselves get carried away. The general classification could be shaken up here, but we have to be especially alert. We have to handle it wisely."