Remco Evenepoel focusing on Tour de France podium and competition: "That will probably be Primoz Roglic"

The Tour de France blew up once again yesterday on the climbs of the Massif Central, despite being far from the toughest in the race. Soudal - Quick-Step and Remco Evenepoel have survived another day in second place and Remco Evenepoel fulfilled the team's goals on the day.

"By riding at his own pace, he picks up the riders he should have picked up. I look back on this day positively," Tom Steels, team DS, told Wielerflits. "Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard have proven that they will fight the hardest for the final victory. Remco had to leave a gap on one of the climbs, but he stayed at his own pace and eventually came closer to his goal. Remco did well."

Evenepoel has focused on the long-run in this Tour and as luck would have it, he benefits from what is a battle between UAE Team Emirates and Team Visma | Lease a Bike. This daily battle has meant that Soudal - Quick-Step has not once had to hit the wind in the toughest stages, as the two rival teams cancel and chase each other. The Belgian, in great form, is able to ride the wheels and his own pace to remain close to the top of the Tour. Mikel Landa has shown great form, but thus far the Belgian has not actually needed his support in the 11 days of racing.

"He is concentrating on the competition within this grand tour, and that will probably be Primoz Roglic," Steels added. Evenepoel would have a difficult time to actually fight for the race victory but a podium is absolutely in the cards and right now, he and the team will focus on maintaining it and believe Primoz Roglic is the main opponent in this fight. "And maybe a few others. Remco finished third today and has proven that he is close to the first two,"