Remco Evenepoel on today’s off day: “Already at the foot of the climb…”

Remco Evenepoel, after winning yesterday’s time trial, did not have an easy day. That is clear from the final standings, but those who followed the stage also know that the Belgian suffered from cramps at the decisive moments.

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, the Belgian explained how he felt today, reassuring fans that his preparation for the season’s major goals is not in question. Here are his words:

ON TODAY’S DAY – “Already at the foot of the climb I had cramps, something that had never happened to me before. Perhaps it was due to yesterday’s effort, which I hadn’t fully recovered from yet. When I had to let go, I had a really tough kilometer, but afterwards I managed to recover a bit. It often happens to me at the start of the season, on climbs like this, to have a difficult moment. But today I didn’t have good legs anyway. I kept drinking, so that can’t be the reason. I think yesterday’s effort hadn’t been absorbed. I didn’t sleep well, I woke up because of the heat. But in the end, I can’t make excuses.”

ON THE STANDINGS – “Is the overall classification compromised? I think I’m a minute and a half down. Maybe I can still do something nice to try to win Saturday’s stage.”