Remco Evenepoel (SoudalQuick Step) wrapped up overall victory at the Volta ao Algarve last weekend as Wout van Aert (Visma-Lease a Bike) also opened his account for the season.
Evenepoel’s impressive stage-four time trial win, his first as time trial world champion, proved to be enough to secure his third overall title at the Portuguese stage race.
However, he was made to work for it on the final stage, which finished atop the punishing Alto do Malhão climb. Van Aert launched a huge breakaway attack which momentarily appeared to place Evenepoel’s overall lead in jeopardy.
Matters were made worse for Evenepoel when an issue with his bike forced him to ride the final climb in his big chainring. Nevertheless, van Aert was eventually caught and Evenepoel took second on the stage behind Dani Martínez (Bora-Hansgrohe) to wrap up the overall title.
“I had to do it in my 54-tooth chainring, even though I prefer to climb on a high cadence. That cost me the energy I needed in the sprint, it killed my legs a bit,” Evenepoel said.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike