The Belgian concluded the week on a high, taking his ninth victory since the start of the season.
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
Remco Evenepoel 
