Our team has racked up six wins in the first month of the season.
Remco Evenepoel continued to add to his rapidly growing palmares, which before the start of the season counted five victories, including Clasica San Sebastian and the European ITT Championship. Just 20 years of age, Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s prodigy enjoyed a quiet Sunday in the peloton and became the youngest rider in history to seal the win in the general classification of the Vuelta a San Juan, where he captured also a stage and the best young rider’s jersey, one year from his pro debut at the same event.
Overall, it wasn’t quite a straightforward week for the Belgian, who had to overcome a late crash on the opening leg and a scare in the echelons on the queen stage, but each time, helped by his strong team and driven by a huge ambition, he prevailed, and courtesy also of his stunning ride in the stage against the clock, where he proved his credentials as one of the best time trialists in the world, he wrapped up the GC.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the entire team, it was a great week and with their help I could have this perfect start to the season, which serves as a big confidence boost. I am proud to win this race and be the youngest rider to sew up the general classification at the Vuelta a San Juan. It’s an amazing place, with superb fans, and it’s always a pleasure to be here, that’s why I hope to return in the future”, a beyond excited Evenepoel said at the press conference.
Remco, who on the last stage of the race was part of the lead-out train that helped Alvaro Hodeg notch up his second podium of the year, was quick to stress out that he won’t rest on his laurels after this success – the seventh since debuting in the pro ranks – but continue to work hard and progress as part of the Wolfpack: “I always try to be in good shape and give my absolute best, I am always motivated and ready for a new challenge. This is who I am. I am fortunate to have an extraordinary team around me and I want to stay with my feet on the ground and be the same Remco you know.”
Photo credit: ©Maximiliano Blanco / Getty Images
