Remco Evenepoel has narrowed his deficit in the world rankings and is one of the winners in Paris-Nice after Mont Broili. He wasn't the winner today, but you don't hear the Belgian champion complaining about his legs, his team and his classification.
“The start! Very well done,” Remco Evenepoel told his teammates over his communication system shortly after the end.
When right-hand man Ilan van Wilder joined him, he also received praise. “Nice pace” was his positive comment.
The Belgian champion explained his tactics: “I wanted to go a long way over 500 metres.” “It was kind of a two-step thing.”
“I looked to the left and didn't see anyone, but Skjelmose came from the right. Too bad, because it took those four seconds at the end.”
“I actually thought I was third and that we had passed Plab, but sometimes you don't know.”
Ilan van Wilder set a very strong pace and made the men let loose. The team was there and did something to rank again. We showed everyone that we are very strong.
Remco Evenepoel
“I saw a very strong team,” he said of his teammates from Soudal – Quick Step.
“Ilan rode a very strong pace and got the guys going. The team was there and did something for the classification again. We showed everyone that we are very strong.”
Was winning the stage not possible? “There was no one to regulate the speed, and the UAE no longer took responsibility. Fine simply stopped driving.”
“It's too bad they didn't want to. Or maybe it was on purpose. But it was weird that he turned away so suddenly.”
“Although we can't do anything about it. That's the team's tactics. It was a good day for us.”
Evenepoel also gained seconds in the intermediate race. “I wasted my energy, but everyone participated. Those six seconds were amazing.”
“A stage win would have been nice, but the race could go from one extreme to the other.”
“It was also difficult because of the cold. What was really great was the way Ilan drove and how the team kept me in front. What Ilan did from 3 to 1 km was amazing.”
“Everyone is in good shape, but it's good that I still have a strong finish. It's good to see that my legs are there, that I always have a surplus and that I still don't feel broken.”
Vervaeke: “We were very disappointed yesterday”
His teammate Louis Vervaeke was also happy. “We were very disappointed yesterday after the team's time trial. The wind played tricks on us, but the Paris-Nice match is still a long time away.”
“It was tough because of the weather and everyone was cold. I hope Remco can finish it. Wherever we start, we drive to win. I think he has the ability to do that.”
Paris – Nice Global rankings
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Paris – Nice
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