"Today I expect war" - Remco Evenepoel ready for massive climbing challenge in what he terms 'the toughest of the three uphill finishes'

The Volta a Catalunya has started to be played out from the opening day immediately as Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel battled for a victory in a sprint, however it's in the mountains that it'll be decided. Today's the first day in the Pyrenees, and Evenepoel is aware of how important of a finale it'll be.

“On altitude training I trained specifically on climbing and that will be necessary here. Because the altimeters will weigh on today, especially when the climbs starts early. The run-up to the final climb is also difficult. I also think that today will be the toughest of the three uphill finishes," Evenepoel shared at the start of the stage in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws.

The summit finish to Vallter 2000 will be over 15 kilometers at over 6%. The climb extends longer however with easier gradients, and it also has it's summit finish at over 2100 meters of altitude. Despite the good weather, this will be a decisive day in the race, and as the first mountain stage it will also see some order in the fight for the overall classification.

“There will not be much waiting or looking at each other. I can see that happening earlier tomorrow when there is still a descent. No, today I expect war," Evenepoel admits. He will not only have to face race leader Primoz Roglic but an array of top climbers such as João Almeida, Mikel Landa, Jai Hindley and Richard Carapaz - among other big figures who are present in the race.