World champion Remco Evenepoel left no one in any doubt that he is the favourite for the upcoming Giro d’Italia with a blistering win at Liège-Bastogne-Liège on Sunday.
All eyes were on the defending champion as his Soudal-Quick Step team set the pace. But there was nothing that most of his rivals could do when his white shorts rose from the saddle and he attacked on La Redoute – the same climb he launched his winning bid on in 2022.
Brit Tom Pidcock was the only rider able to claw his way back on to Evenepoel’s wheel, then resolutely refused to take a turn as the world champion set the pace.
Pidcock picked off
But as the gradient bit for a second time, Evenepoel left the Ineos captain in his wake. Now there was just 30km between him and the finish line, and with the chase behind fractured, there was little prospect of him being caught.
“This is a big boost ahead of the Giro d’Italia,” he said. “The recent altitude training camps went really well, and this victory, which shows that my form is there, feeds my confidence.
“I’m happy also for taking the victory in all-white today. Together with the team we wanted to do something special, so we decided to go for the white bibshorts. Now I have a nice picture to hang on the wall.”
Bu hikaye Cycling Weekly dergisinin April 27, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Cycling Weekly dergisinin April 27, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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