Soudal Quick-Step’s Belgian sits fourth overall after the first stage.
For just the second time this century, Irun hosted the opening stage of the Itzulia Basque Country, but unlike 2006 – when the day belonged to the puncheurs – this time the specialists against the clock took center stage. The 10km course included some technical sections, cobbled streets and the Olaberria climb, averaging 5% over 1.7 kilometers and coming in the first part of the day.
The weather prediction hinted to some rain in the afternoon and this prompted all the general classification favourites to start early. Fourth overall two years ago at his debut in the race, Remco Evenepoel didn’t have the best of luck on Monday, crashing in the second corner of the race. Fortunately, there were no consequences, and the World Champion quickly got back on his bike and continued the ITT.
Victorious this year at the Volta ao Algarve, Evenepoel was still able to produce a solid effort which at the end of the day resulted in a fourth place, only eleven seconds behind Primoz Roglic (Bora-hansgrohe), who took the win in Irun.
“Everything went well today, except for the mistake I made 200 meters into the race. It was slippery there, but it was my fault. I was hoping to be ahead of the others, but now I am a bit behind. On the other hand, the gaps are small, I am confident in myself and my team, and the real race starts tomorrow, and with it, the real between the yellow jersey contenders”, said Remco after the stage.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images
Remco Evenepoel 
