A strong time trial will see the 19-year-old take on the tough penultimate stage with the blue jersey on his shoulders.
Twenty-four hours from his first pro victory, which came on the back of an impressive attack from afar and an all-out effort, Remco Evenepoel found himself once again in the spotlight, this time in Gimbergen, host of the traditional Belgium Tour stage against the clock, consisting of flat and technical roads.
Last man to roll down the ramp, the Belgian rode a solid individual time trial, concluding in fourth place – just three seconds behind winner Tim Wellens (Lotto-Soudal) – but comfortably keeping hold of the blue jersey, which he donned on Thursday.
“I made a small mistake in the first corner and I lost a bit of time there, but overall I did a good race and can be content with it. Congrats to Tim, he was the strongest today. I am glad I get to wear this beautiful jersey for at least one more day, as it makes me proud to lead the Belgium Tour”, Evenepoel said after the finish.
The penultimate stage of the race will also be the hardest, comprising several climbs used in the Ardennes Classics, and Remco is looking forward to the challenge, especially as the legendary La Redoute carries some nice memories for the 19-year-old: “It should be a nice battle; the parcours is very demanding and I don’t know what can happen, but I’m eager to find out. I know La Redoute, because as a junior I won the Philippe Gilbert Classic there and I was really sad that Philippe wasn’t there that day, as he was busy racing. It was a nice win, but on Saturday it will be a completely different story with many hills in quick succession.”
Remco Evenepoel wasn’t the only Deceuninck – Quick-Step rider to take to the podium, with Fabio Jakobsen donning the red jersey – which rewards the rider topping the points standings – for the second consecutive day.
Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen/ Getty Images
