On his first day of racing in Europe in 2023, Soudal Quick-Step’s Belgian rider took second place in a close-fought sprint.
The 164.6km stage one started and finished in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, where soon after the start a five-man breakaway was formed, establishing a lead that at one point peaked at close to five minutes. However, the peloton was determined not to let them ruin their day and reeled the breakaway back in on the run-in to the punchy finish.
This led to a head-to-head duel between Remco and Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma), with the young Belgian impressively rapidly gaining ground from several bike lengths back, only to come agonisingly short of overhauling the Slovenian. This all means that Remco will swap his rainbow jersey for the competition’s young rider’s one before the second stage, which culminates in a summit finish at the ski station of Vallter 2000.
“It was a close sprint to start off the week here in Catalunya. I felt good on the new bike Specialized gave me, and that’s why I’m a bit disappointed with this second place. At the same time, I am excited for the week ahead with The Wolfpack”, Remco said after the stage.
Photo credit: ©David Ramos / Getty Images
Remco Evenepoel 
