Evenepoel crowned youngest ever winner of Vuelta a San Juan

Belgian prodigy defends time trial lead to take stunning stage race victory in Argentina

Remco Evenepoel has become the youngest ever winner of the Vuelta a San Juan, after putting in a composed performance in Argentina. The Deceuninck- Quick Step rider took control of the week-long race during the time trial on stage three and held the lead to the end.

That wasn’t easy, though. On the race’s queen stage the race split into echelons and he found himself in the second group, 1.30 behind the leaders. Evenepoel and his team worked tirelessly to bring him back to the front with only eight kilometres left to race. He even had the legs to put in some attacks to the summit finish of Alto Colorado to end up fifth on the stage.

On Sunday, the Belgian star crossed the line to finalise victory in his first race of the year, 33 seconds ahead of second-placed Filippo Ganna (Italy).

At 20 years old, he is the youngest rider to win the event, first held in 1982.

Afterwards, he said: “ I always try to be in good shape and give my absolute best. I am always motivated and ready for a new challenge. This is who I am.

“I am fortunate to have an extraordinary team around me and I want to stay with my feet on the ground and be the same Remco.”