Thanks to a stunning performance in the stage 4 individual time trial,
Remco Evenepoel begins stage 5 of the 2025
Criterium du Dauphiné in the Maillot Jaune of race leader. Although there are still four days to go, the goal for the
Soudal - Quick-Step leader is now simple - keep hold of the Yellow Jersey and win the race.
Putting 20 seconds into
Jonas Vingegaard and 48 into
Tadej Pogacar, Evenepoel laid down a real marker ahead of the upcoming Tour de France with his efforts against the clock on Wednesday afternoon. As mentioned, it also saw the Belgian surge into the race lead at the Dauphiné, a position he also held after the time trial twelve months ago.
Although things somewhat fell apart for Evenepoel afterwards last year however, ending the Dauphiné in 7th on GC 2:25 down on the race-winning Primoz Roglic, this time around, the Olympic champion is hopeful of a better final weekend. "Yesterday’s time trial went exactly as planned — I was able to ride at the target wattages," Evenepoel told the media before the start of stage five. "We’ll try to keep the jersey all the way to the end. There might be stronger teams in the high mountains, but I’m certainly not surrounded by weak riders."