The descent off the Col du Galibier uncovered Remco Evenepoel’s Achilles heel on the Tour de France, however the Belgian confirmed his combating spirit by closing the hole to the chase group behind an untouchable Tadej Pogačar after which successful the dash for second place on stage 4.
“It’s at all times good if you end second behind the perfect rider on the planet,” Evenepoel mentioned after once more pulling on the white finest younger rider’s jersey in Valloire.
“Tadej’s assault at 2,600 metres was very sturdy. I attempted to stick with him however that was nonetheless a bit an excessive amount of above my degree. For those who attain the end alone, you’re the better of the day, however that is nice for my confidence.”
If Jonas Vingegaard finally cracks or falters whereas making an attempt to race in opposition to Pogačar, then Evenepoel may emerge his largest rivals.
The Belgian took eight bonus seconds for ending second and an additional two seconds on the summit of the Galibier to maneuver previous Vingegaard into second total, 45 seconds down on Pogačar. Evenepoel positively seems to be a podium contender early within the race and he will certainly acquire time on his rivals in Friday’s 25.3km time trial.
“A prime 5 end stays the plan however the nearer we get to the rostrum, the extra we’ve to go for it. I am chasing a stage win after which we will have a look at the classification,” Evenepoel mentioned.
Evenepoel had Mikel Landa with him for a lot of the Galibier, and Soudal-Fast Step seem to have stepped up as Grand Tour group. He seemed composed and in management on the climb of the Galibier and the most important downside seems to be descending.
“I attempted to go as quick as doable within the ultimate a part of the Galibier as a result of I knew there have been bonuses on the prime. Then I went down full velocity, however that icy water was a bit scary,” he admitted.
Evenepoel was referring to a number of factors throughout the first a part of the descent when melted snow sparked working water throughout the street. Even Pogačar was cautious there however Evenepoel was particularly so.
He began the descent in third place however was handed by Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadiers), Primož Roglič (Purple Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe), Juan Ayuso (UAE Staff Emirates). He even misplaced their wheels and needed to battle to get again on throughout the ultimate a part of the 18km descent.
“It was quick, technical and a bit scary. The asphalt jogged my memory of the Basque Nation, a bumpy street floor. I did not really feel 100% snug,” he admitted, referring to the horrible crash on the Itzulia Basque Nation race that noticed him, Vingegaard, Roglič and others crash at velocity.
“I slipped a number of occasions and that is not nice for confidence. I made some errors and a few guys had been in a position to come again,” he mentioned. “Hopefully it will not go downhill from right here, I can really feel myself getting higher. Now I am already specializing in Friday’s time trial.”
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