"We successfully got through the stressful situation" - Remco Evenepoel continues at the helm of UAE Tour

The wind was strong today at the UAE Tour, and it put on quite a lot of tension in the peloton. It was the first serious test for Remco Evenepoel in the lead of the race, which he passed with the best grade possible.

Although all GC contenders arrived at the finish safely, it was not the case throughout the whole day: “It was surprising to hear that Luke Plapp was behind," he said of a split that happened late in the day. "The stage was very easy, so I think not everyone was equally focused. It was a strange situation, but everything came back together because of the headwind. We successfully got through the stressful situation."

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Evenepoel was always close to the front and attempt to all moves. It came down to a bunch sprint, and the World Champion maintained the race lead. Tomorrow the wind will be strong again and he will have another important day in the race. “If I can win two seconds in the intermediate sprints, why shouldn't I do that?" he says. 

"You never know if this race will be decided in a second. The original plan was for Merlier to sprint for it. When he turned on, I was in his wheel and we had a gap. While yelling I would ask him to lead out and let me pass. I think he almost flipped over his steering wheel, he had to brake so hard," Evenepoel concluded. Before reaching Jebel Hafeet the riders will still have to resist threats in the flat roads.