If he may not have been perfect tactically, as many followers have been able to point out it once the Chaumont climb, Remco Evenepoel In any case seemed very strong this Thursday on the roads of the 2nd stage of the Romandie Tourin the wake of a training Soudal Quick-Step which energized the race and the peloton in the last difficulty of the day. If the Belgian, logically marked very closely by his rivals, could not make the difference and appeared a little nervous and annoyed, it at least allowed his teammate William Lecerf junior to take the lead and play the win in the group of five in mind, even if he had to settle for 3rd place. Behind, at 56 seconds, its leader settled the sprint of the favorite group for 6th place, but the important thing was elsewhere for the leader of Wolfpack, satisfied both with the conquering attitude of his teammates, and his much better form than on Liège-Bastogne-Liège Last Sunday.
“William Lecerf Junior … I tried to give him advice on the radio”
“We tried to attack after putting a good rhythm”analyzed Remco Evenepoel at the microphone of RTS Sport. “We have reduced the group well and I have a teammate who knew how to go ahead in the valley. It was great to see him in front. I tried to give him advice on the radio. We knew it was going to be played there. We had a guy in front and I was behind, it was ideal. If it came back, I could count on the sprint. As we saw, I won it behind. I am in the same time as the other favorites. Everyone sees that we have a strong team and that it is not just me. It was perfect for us this Thursday. There is still a lot to play. Everything will be decided on Saturday and Sunday “.
Now 6th of the general 52 seconds from the new leader Alex Baudin (EF Education-Easypost), the double Olympic champion is in a comfortable position, especially since his teammate occupies 2nd place. ‘We will now try to keep junior at the top of the ranking as long as possible. I think that the Sunday time trial should suit him too, with the climb. I have to take care not to waste time and then try to give everything in the Sunday time trial. I think I can dig a nice lead on men in front of me. I don’t want to rejoice too early, but I have the feeling that the Liège descent is over. I feel good and I hope to be able to continue to progress “he concluded with optimism.
