Tour de Suisse

Remco Evenepoel confirmed again he is one of the peloton’s finest time trialists, notching up his seventh success in the discipline after a storming ride on the last day of the Tour de Suisse, which concluded in Liechtenstein’s capital, Vaduz.

As soon as he left the start house, Remco showed he was a man on a mission, flying on the first part of the 25.6km hilly route and going fastest by a mile at the 12.9km checkpoint. Averaging over 54km/h, Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl’s rider stormed around the course and obliterated the best result at the finish, going into the hot seat with just a dozen riders still to come. Not even the European Champion or Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers), who would go on to win the overall classification, could improve Evenepoel’s time (28:26), and the 22-year-old celebrated his maiden time trial victory in the World Tour ranks.

“It’s a beautiful way to finish it off like this. It was close in the end, but I had the fastest bike and I’m happy and proud to win against so many very good riders. I learned a lot this week – which was one with ups and downs and with many difficulties – including on the days I lost time, where I missed some freshness. In the last two stages I began feeling better, the shape was improving, so I focused on this time trial, knowing I had a chance.”

“It was quite hard today with the heat, but I could keep the power despite these conditions, sticking to my pace plan, and I’m delighted I could pull it off. This result in a World Tour ITT is a big step in my career and an important win ahead of next week’s National Championships, where I’ll go motivated and with a good morale”, added Remco after his 31st pro victory.

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images