Richard Plugge not convinced Remco Evenepoel is a serious grand tour contender: "He will have to prove it against Vingegaards and Pogacars of this world"

Jumbo Visma sports director Richard Plugge emphasizes in conversation with HLN that this Vuelta was a snapshot, especially because Remco Evenepoel could no longer compete with them after a breakdown.

"At the Gran Salida in Barcelona I took Ayuso and Almeida, Mas, Thomas and Arensman into account. And Remco, of course. The fact that he exploded on the Tourmalet stage has simplified our case."

"Remco is already the best one-day cyclist around. We don't know yet how he will do in a Grand Tour with tough competition," Plugge continues. "Last year he won the Vuelta. Very handsome, isn't it? But Roglic did drop out. And he will also have to prove it against the Vingegaards and Pogacars of this world."

"I sincerely hope that he can continue to build on these foundations. However, such a grand tour in three weeks is something very specific. The past has shown this many times before."