Remco Evenepoel: "This was one of the best time trials of my career"

Into the decisive time-trial of the race, it was no surprise that Remco Evenepoel was one of the main riders to watch out for. However, after the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team leader took 58 seconds on Stefan Küng on the 32-kilometer long route, many were surprised at how dominant of a win it was.

“I am very happy. We had a plan today and this was to push hard until the top of the climb, because we knew how important that first part of the course would be. The guys in the car believed in me, gave me the right indications all the time and I am thankful for their help," Evenepoel said after the finish.

He concluded: “I am proud of how things unfolded today. Taking into account everything – the way I felt, my performance – this was one of the best time trials of my career and I hope to keep the level the whole year, especially after this big boost of confidence. Now I am in yellow, but Sunday should be very hard and I’m sure some of my rivals in the GC will want to try something. But we have a strong and motivated team, and hopefully I will keep yellow after Malhão”,

Heading into the final stage Evenepoel has a lead of over one minute after his most direct competitor Ethan Hayter and baring any incident, it is unlikely that the yellow jersey will leave his shoulders. Tomorrow's stage up to the Alto do Malhão will be one that should be hard to control nevertheless.