"The goal is to start tomorrow with the same lead" - Remco Evenepoel downplays general classification fireworks speculation ahead of stage 18
Cycling
Stage 18 of the 2026 Tour de France introduces the peleton to the Alps with a mountain-top finish and a lighter curtain-raiser before two brutal stages on Friday and Saturday. Ahead of the finale of La Grand Boucle, Remco Evenepoel made his first gains on Tadej Pogacar in recent stages.
Beginning with his first-ever road race stage victory at the Tour on Sunday at Plateau de Solaison, Evenepoel followed that up by taking 28 seconds on the yellow jersey at Tuesday's time trial. After a transition stage, an opportunity arises for Evenepoel to try and consolidate his second place and even test Pogacar again.
However, Evenepoel seemed to pour cold water over that suggestion at the start on Thursday. The Belgian hinted that fans can potentially expect a breakaway day rather than general classification fireworks with Alpe d'Huez looming.
"If everyone says that, everyone wants to be in it too, and then things could turn out differently. It does indeed look like a good opportunity for the breakaway riders, but it could go either way, just like every day," Evenepoel told VTM NEWS.
Remco Evenepoel at the 2026 Tour de France
Evenepoel planning to ride "economically"
Evenepoel mentioned the goal is to ride "economically as he summed up his intentions: "The goal is to start tomorrow with the same lead as today."
In his interview, he mentioned outside criticism affecting him and other riders in the past, revealing that he hasn't monitored his Instagram account for quite some time.
He said: "I do indeed have experience with it too, but apparently it's just part of the game these days because everyone can reach each other so easily. I myself haven't had my Instagram since 10 days before the Tour of Flanders."
Meanwhile, Paul Seixas' Decathlon CMA CGM teammate Tiesj Benoot is recovering from a day in the break on Wednesday and he expects another battle today.
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Benoot on supporting Seixas on stage 18
However, he insisted that he and his teammates will be focused on Seixas in their bid to help the teenage make up the 20 second gap to Isaac del Toro in the battle for third place and the coveted white jersey for best young rider.
"I gave it my all, so I mainly hope I've recovered for today. Yesterday was definitely my best day in the Tour so far.
"Today we are putting everything on Paul, because it will be a stage for the breakaway and there will always be a better climber in it than myself – think of types like Carapaz. Paul was good yesterday, maybe we can move up another spot."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- this is just stupid. you already have 23%, gravel is over the topabstractengineer03-11-2026
- There was once a time when Lance was supremely popular and he used his artificial "It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life" persona to lead his mob in going after Greg. There was no one Lance did not abuse in protecting his phony hero image. Lance promoted himself as a divine megastar and he let down millions of cancer victims and gullible devotees who clung far too long to the charade. Lance is the epitome of a corrupt person and because of his power, many around him, including business enterprises, succumbed to the evil. All who got in Armstrong's way were mercilessly attacked by him and his minions. This remarkably continues today with a new generation. LeMond was a number one enemy and paid a huge price. Who do you think slandered who?Yepperoni03-11-2026
- You despise him because he calls out the truth....OK clown !frieders303-11-2026
- JV is really slighting himself with not doing the 1 dayers.. 🤷
leedorney02-11-2026 - Watch the interview on youtube. I don't speak French. I do speak English and Spanish and you can hear it in his voice. Years ago LeMond had real personal problems I imagine in no small part because of Armstrong. then Armstrong goes round "full blast" re: LeMond having drinking and drug problems. The same way Andreu was expelled from mainstream cycling so was LeMond. On the positive side the clips of the ride and chatting with old teammates and was good. To seemed like a fun day and experience and good reason brush up his French.atom02-11-2026
- and another no-news article around the ‚2 tokyo jogging rounds‘ headline, this time spiced with some days old ‚news‘ that the LA and japan vacation trips come during or after the tdf route release. i am getting more and more annoyed by this time-stealing no-news crap. but who am i to complain? nobody forces me to come back for more ‚news‘ day after day …Ketterechts02-11-2026
- It would likely be a very steep section of 4.1 km, not changing the average gradient considerably, with the climb remaining 10.1 km at 11.8%. It would reach 20% on the gravel. It would start 1.6 km in, and finish with 4.2 km left to climb (before the short final descent)
Rafionain-Glas02-11-2026 - Welcome to the off-season.
santiagobenites02-11-2026 - guillaume martin in this list is quite a surprise as a gc rider.Ketterechts02-11-2026
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