“Vingegaard is the top favourite... But he also remains susceptible to a bad day" - Remco Evenepoel quietly confident ahead of Itzulia Basque Country

In their first showdown since last year's Vuelta a Espana and an early prelude to the Tour de France later this summer, Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard go head-to-head at the Itzulia Basque Country, starting with an individual time-trial today.

“Vingegaard is the top favourite. He was impressive in O Gran Camiño and Tirreno-Adriatico. But he also remains susceptible to a bad day," a quietly confident Evenepoel previews in conversation with HLN. "It has not happened yet, but it is possible. I will therefore not adjust my race to him. I fight with an open mind.”

Whilst Vingegaard has undoubtedly been impressive in his races so far this year, Evenepoel too has shown good form, finishing second overall at Paris-Nice, although many Belgian commenters feel he could and probably should have won the Maillot Jaune. “It was sometimes disappointing to read and hear. Because I always give the best of myself, just like my teammates. We did everything we could to win Paris-Nice, but certain race situations decided otherwise," Evenepoel responds to the criticism. "It now appears that Matteo Jorgenson is really doing well. It bothered me for a few days. Then I used it to add an extra percentage during training.”

As mentioned, the Itzulia Basque Country starts this year with an individual time-trial. As world champion in the discipline, Evenepoel is the favourite for the opening leaders jersey. “Some time difference can already be created between the favourites, although this will not be significant given the limited distance. But still, every second counts," he assesses. "That we may immediately have to carry the weight of the leader's jersey? Okay, so be it. It doesn't scare us. Then it will be up to other teams and riders to make plans and attack. I feel strongly surrounded. Not least because of Mikel Landa, 'local hero' with tons of experience, who knows the region like the back of his hand.”

Not only does Landa know the region like the back of his hand, the Basque climber is incredibly good form too, as seen by his performances at the recent Volta a Catalunya, where he finished second overall behind Tadej Pogacar.

“I think he thoroughly explored every stage. He will certainly help me, I am convinced of that. Which doesn't mean that, if he has the legs and turns out to be better than me, he can't do his own thing," Evenepoel concludes. "Because he also has a chance of winning overall given his current level of form. If he doesn't clock too far behind me in the time trial, we can easily play the game just the two of us in the coming days. As long as we agree and don't make mistakes.”