Remco Evenepoel: "I attacked and never looked back"

Winning in the first day of the season is an achievement very few riders get to conquer during their career. Remco Evenepoel is from today on a member of that list after a brutal attack on the slopes of the climb to Torralba del Pinar where he opened his 2022 tally.

“It’s a nice way to start the season, and I’m happy I could repay the team for their hard work today. They were great, did an incredible job and deserve a big thank you!"

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Remco Evenepoel storms to the win on Valenciana stage 1

"This win is good for the confidence and for the atmosphere as we begin our week here in Valenciana. We knew the finish was hard and the difference could be made only in the final kilometer, so I attacked there and never looked back. Getting the yellow jersey is a bonus, one that rounds out this perfect day," stated the young Belgian. Indeed throughout the final climb Evenepoel was keen on following the wheels of the Movistar riders, after a set of attacks by Enric Mas who was always closely followed by the leader of the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team, Evenepoel launched his move within the final kilometer of the ascent to gain a crucial gap.

Wether he can go on to win the 8th overal classification win of his career or not we are left to see. Friday's queen stage to the Alto the Tibi should decide things, in the meantime Evenepoel will spend a night with the yellow jersey in his domain.