"The government's measures were perhaps a bit too extreme" - Remco Evenepoel not too happy after almost having to miss Volta a Catalunya due to altitude camp snowfall

Remco Evenepoel is starting the Volta a Catalunya this Monday, but it was something that was at risk due to the cut of the roads up to the Teide Volcano in the Canary Islands where the Belgian was training at altitude. He has commented on that complicated situation as well as competing with Jonas Vingegaard and Florian Lipowitz in the moutnains this week.

After heavy snowfall in Tenerife this week, Evenepoel's flight back to mainland Europe was put into jeopardy, which in return was also putting his participation in the race at risk. This, according to the Olympic Champion, was not necessary.

"The government's measures were perhaps a bit too extreme. In the end, it was actually quite manageable to get down the mountain," Evenepoel said in words to Sporza this Sunday afternoon. "It was really dangerous for about ten minutes, but after that it was dry. There was more stress and hassle than necessary."

He spent three weeks at altitude following his UAE Tour spell, which were planned to have him improve in the long ascents. Catalunya in itself is a race with plenty proper high mountain stages, which will serve as an important test for him.

"I was doing my block training on the rollers when they told me I had an hour to leave, but the main work was already done. I didn't really miss anything because of it. I was still able to ride downhill in the afternoon, and the day after I was able to do a light ride. I made it here, and that is the most important thing."

In Catalunya, he will have a very strong team alongside him, and he will race with Florian Lipowitz. This will be an important week for the duo to access their levels and potential tactics to use - both here and for later on in the summer.

"It will depend on how we feel each other out and how we feel on the day itself. Then we can decide what and how at the last minute. In any case, it is a good first test leading up to the Tour to get used to playing together."

"We haven't really discussed tactics yet. The majority of the route might suit me better with the more explosive work," the Belgian argues however. "This week should suit me well, and there are also a lot of bonus seconds at the finish. So sprinting will be important."

Is the overall win a goal? Perhaps too difficult of a question: "The same as always: I try to get the maximum out of it and I want to test myself to see if I have improved since last month. As always, we are aiming for stage wins and want to finish as high as possible in the general classification".

"But first we focus on stage wins, and then you automatically compete in the standings. Winning is also always good for team spirit and morale."

In a race that features three very difficult high mountain stages, Evenepoel will have to go up against Jonas Vingegaard, fresh off a GC win at Paris-Nice where he was largely unrivalled. "It was nice to see him racing like that there. Hopefully, we'll get more of that this week, with those attacks and opening the race early. That works to my advantage too," the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe rider argues.

"The combination with Paris-Nice is quite difficult, but at Visma | Lease a Bike they certainly know what they are doing. Vingegaard is going to the Giro and will gradually work his way towards his 105%t form. I definitely see him competing for the win."