'I'm happy to put over a second-per-kilometre into everybody' - Remco Evenepoel crushes competition in time trial assessment at Dauphiné

Remco Evenepoel delivered a masterclass performance in the time trial, putting significant time into rivals Pogačar and Vingegaard, and moved into the race lead of the Critérium du Dauphiné, just like he did twelve months ago. In the process, Evenepoel also claimed a historic '1000th victory' for Soudal Quick-Step.

The Olympic and World time trial champion was the favourite to take the stage victory at the start of the day, but for Evenepoel, the time trial served as a crucial test of form compared to his main rivals, Pogačar and Vingegaard, ahead of their battle at the Tour de France in July.

Evenepoel executed a perfect pacing strategy on the challenging course that featured flat sections and a steep climb. The Belgian also took full advantage of the headwinds in the valleys to establish his dominance, surprising even himself with the substantial time gaps to his main competitors, Pogačar and Vingegaard.

"It was actually a tough one, it made me think a bit of stage 7 last year at the Tour de France, flat run-in, and then a climb, but this one was a bit steeper, a bit harder," Evenepoel explained. "I think my goal was to go as fast as possible until the intermediate, and then after that, try to get a steady pace until the finish line."

His technical approach to the course proved decisive, particularly in the wind-affected sections where his power and aerodynamic position gave him a crucial advantage.

"I think the advantage I had was that there was a lot of headwind in the valleys before and after the climb, so I used that to really take the benefit of my position and of the power I can do. And on the climb, I just went as fast as possible," he said.

The victory holds special significance as it marks the 1000th win for his team, a milestone Evenepoel was proud to deliver for long-time team boss Patrick Lefevere.

"[Victory] number 1000, as the cap says of the team. Very proud to have done it, one for Patrick [Lefevere], for the whole past and everything he did for the team, I think this victory is one for him, and for all of his career," Evenepoel added.

Evenepoel was also happy with his ability to take as much time on his rivals as he did on a course that wasn’t the longest." In the end its quite a big gap on quite a small time trial. So I think I'm happy to put over a second per kilometre into everybody, and for some more than two," he said.

The victory strengthens Evenepoel's position in the general classification, as the new race leader, though he maintained his focus was primarily on winning the stage before turning his attention to the GC battle to come.

"I just wanted to win and after that we were going to see how it was going to be in GC and all that stuff," he said. "I'm super proud and happy with the feeling I have now. I'm feeling pretty good and it's always nice to bring home a WorldTour victory."

Evenepoel now finds himself in the same position as twelve months ago, leading the Dauphiné after winning the individual time-trial on stage 4, however, this time, there are some key differences.

Firstly, Evenepoel is clearly in fine shape, which was debatable last year as he was recovering from his injuries sustained in the Basque Country. Secondly, he has the Visma | Lease a Bike duo of Vingegaard and Matteo Jorgenson breathing down his neck, as well as the world champion Pogačar who is going to have to attack the Belgian in the mountains if he wants to win this Dauphiné.