After his bath, Evenepoel addressed the press. “I might lead my own sprint today, I didn’t have to worry regarding Alaphilippe. He was also doing his own race and we wanted to try to win the stage with him. Only he didn’t have the legs at the end. It was also very hot at the end (32°C at the finish, editor’s note), following a stage where things went very fast. It really wasn’t an easy day. We are going to feel it, especially in view of Wednesday and Thursday.“
“I am satisfied. I don’t waste any time, except for a few bonus seconds (13 on Roglic, editor’s note). My feeling on the final climb was good. Of course, a small uphill kilometer is intensive and very specific. It’s something I haven’t trained for in a long time. But in the end, I just had to be there and not waste time.“
Evenepoel was among the first in the descent of the penultimate climb 14.5 km from the finish. “I was there anyway and it was just not to take any chances. We knew how fast and technical the descent was, so it was best to stay ahead. When you’re descending at around 100 per hour, you know that in the rear it’s all regarding sprinting and accelerating out of the corners. If you’re in the lead on a descent, you lose less energy than if you’re in 20th or 30th position. This way I was safe. Today, the mission has been accomplished.“