Remco Evenepoel stresses "need to stay sharp" on stage 2 of Dauphiné; Mathieu van der Poel insists he "can be back in contention for the win"

Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel were two of the stars of the opening stage at the 2025 Criterium du Dauphiné on Sunday afternoon. Whilst stage 2 is likely set to be a calmer day in the saddle, given what transpired on stage 1, both riders know how important it will be to remain switched on throughout. 

“It’s less likely we’ll see a breakaway make it to the line," assessed the double Olympic gold medal winning leader of the Soudal - Quick-Step team Evenepoel in his pre-stage 2 interview with Belgian media at the startline. "But of course, you never know. If it does happen, I’d expect it to come from a genuine breakaway specialist rather than a GC contender. In any case, we’ll need to stay sharp.”

For Van der Poel meanwhile, with the general classification less important, despite the fact that he sits 3rd overall after stage 1, the Dutchman is looking to once again be right at the front of all the action in the battle for the stage win. “The finale’s less tough than yesterday — there’s not much climbing to speak of," previews Van der Poel in his own pre-stage interview. "I just hope I’ve recovered well enough and that I can be back in contention for the win.”