'It was odd because UAE riders were chasing each other' - Evenepoel questions UAE Tactics
Remco Evenepoel finished a disappointing 19th in stage four of the 2025 Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain on Friday after a mechanical issue derailed his effort on the Burton Dassett hills country park climb.
"I lost my momentum and was overwhelmed by others," Evenepoel explained to Sporza after his chain slipped onto his large front chainring just as he was preparing for the final kick to the line.
The Belgian rider had shown strong form earlier in the stage, launching an audacious attack with 25 kilometres remaining, with the attack appearing though that it could stick, "I felt strong, and we immediately created a significant gap," he said of his move, which saw him joined by UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Pavel Sivakov.
The breakaway attempt ended up proving unsuccessful, however, creating a puzzling situation in the peloton. "It was odd because UAE riders were chasing each other. I'll have to send a message to Florian [Vermeersch]," Evenepoel joked.
Analysing the mechanical failure that cost him in the finale, Evenepoel suggested his equipment choice might have contributed to the problem. "I was applying a lot of force, and it's tough when the chain slips. I was using a 56-tooth chainring; perhaps a 54-tooth one would have avoided this issue," he reflected.
Team manager Klaas Lodewyck confirmed their intentions had been to contest for the stage victory with Evenepoel. "We saw a robust attack from Remco, but it was challenging to gain an advantage with a pursuing peloton," he said. "Afterward, during the sprint, there was hesitation, likely due to a mechanical problem, and ten riders flew past him."
Despite the setback, Lodewyck reported that Evenepoel wasn't overly discouraged. "No, he was content that his legs felt good. That's a positive sign. However, a competitive athlete is usually not in the best of moods after losing."
Looking ahead to the coming days of racing, the team remains optimistic about Evenepoel's chances on more challenging terrain as The Tour of Britain heads into Wales for two stages. Stage 5 includes a finish on The Tumble, "The climb will be longer and steeper tomorrow," Lodewyck noted regarding the climb, suggesting that the more selective course might better suit Evenepoel strengths.
Evenepoel is bound to play a card in the finale for stage 5 as he continues to ramp up his preparations for the forthcoming UCI World Championships in Rwanda, where the Belgian will be aiming to add to two rainbow jersey in the road and time-trial discipline.
