Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread

[Riek s]

No, Remco, while riding really convincingly, could not drop Mas, let alone easily. And when Mas dug deep to bring back Gesnik only Remco could follow. Even so, he was grimacing, the elastic was being stretched, but did not break obviously. Remco then had that little bit more to sprint for the line and take the win by 2 secs over a fine Mas. So I'd say they are both equally strong, with just a bit more finishing power in Evenepoel's favor. This means Remco still has to be careful today and use his bullets or pick his fights wisely. By contrast, Mas, if he wants to win this Vuelta, will have to take a risk and hope Remco is a bit less strong. However, Movistar needs the points of a Mas on the podium in second place, so he can't implement an all or nothing strategy. Something extraordinary needs to take place for Evenepoel to lose the jersey today, although in cycling stranger things have happened. Still, it's looking good for the Belgian. He and his team just need to ride strongly and keep the situation under control.

I agree, at the end both he and mas did a final 500m effort. Neither he or mas could have kept that pace any longer. The only reason he and Mas did that because they were inside the final 1km, nothing to loose anymore. At this point (and also from the previous climbs) they wouldn't be able to drop eachother unless they go into the red completely (les praeres) or if one lets the other ride. (Sierra Nevada)

 

[Valv.Piti]

If Remco only is facing 2nd tier climbers this race, surely only Jonas and Tadej can be considered 1st tier climbers?

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

No, Remco, while riding really convincingly, could not drop Mas, let alone easily. And when Mas dug deep to bring back Gesnik only Remco could follow. Even so, he was grimacing, the elastic was being stretched, but did not break obviously.

I agree with the general sentiment of your post, except that i think Remco could have dropped Mas had he been smarter and timed it better. There were riders scattered on the climb, including Movistar. Had Evenepoel saved the energy he put in that big attack until he knew Mas had been isolated, then i believe he could have dropped him. But he blew his chance when Mas still had support.

 

[stonerider]

You do realize he started cycling late and the best years for cyclists are 25-28?

I'd actually say the best years for a grand tour road cyclist are 27 to 32. For Sprinters and one day specialists it might be 25 to 28.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

I'd actually say the best years for a grand tour road cyclist are 27 to 32.

Maybe it was like that before, but if we are looking at the last 15 years I’m not sure if it’s correct. A lot of grand tours has been won by riders before they are 27.
Contador, Schleck, Quintana, Pogacar, Vingegaard, Dumoulin, Tao, Hindley, Aru. Some of the older ones here faded badly when they pushed 30.

 

[steffr222]

Huge display. His weak days were just after the crash. What a year for Remco. Fantastic.

 

[Eddy Evenepoel]

Lets Remember he is still unproven. Hasnt Even finished a GT yet. Wait until tomorrow.

 

[KZD]

I know that there is still the World Championships and Lombardia missing but until this moment he is the rider of the year for me.

 

[kingjr]

Now is when it gets really difficult.

 

[Red Rick]

Congrats. Deserved winner.

 

[Oldermanish]

I appreciate the enthusiasm. But I do not think this is fair. Remco could not have dropped Mas easily, if at all. That was pretty clear by the strain he clearly showed and the fact that he had to allow a bike length gap at one point.

i also think it is unfair to Mas. He attacked many times. The fact that these attacks did not succeed does not make him a negative rider. Have you ever considered that he may actually be riding to his full potential? And what he did was everything he had? Seems to be the case as he had no response to Remco’s final burst to the finish.

I agree. That and Remco would waste energy that could have been needed if a mishap occured. Minus Primoz this last stage pretty much showcased the remaining abilities of anyone that wanted to show themselves. Carapaz was stunning and Remco in command.

My hope is he's allowed to float on the accomplishment for him and Belgium a bit before he's drowned in future expectations. Enjoy, Mr. Evenpoel.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Congrats. Deserved winner.

How long have you had that signature? I might consider going as Valverde, but that might not as controversial as an ASO stage profile..

Well deserved for our boy, by far the best rider in the race.

 

[sir fly]

He's in the GT business.
Rock solid throughout the three weeks. Good job.

Shouldn't get carried away though. The Tour is a different kettle of fish.
Must continue following the path he set this July and the team needs some new personnel.

 

[Wvv]

Big days for Evenepoel. For QuickStep. For Belgium.

Proud and happy. Many congrats Remco.

Sincerely, a forever believer.

 

[DNP-Old]

Today we conquered Spain, next week we'll take over the world.

 

[HelloDolly]

Not a fan of Remco , (not a fan of Roglic either)

But glad this young guy has won a GT for Belguim ....the home of cycling , with the most dedicated fans . They deserve a GT after all these years

He is a superb talent .I hope he enjoys his achievement

 

[OlavEH]

First GT win for Belgium in 43 years? That's a long time!

Have Remco said something about the Tour is the main goal next year?

 

[Big Doopie]

First GT win for Belgium in 43 years? That's a long time!

Have Remco said something about the Tour is the main goal next year?

um...44. ;-)

1976 Van Impe (TDF)
1977 Maertens (Vuelta)
1977 Pollentier (Giro)
1978 De Muynck (Vuelta

 

[kingjr]

First GT win for Belgium in 43 years? That's a long time!

Have Remco said something about the Tour is the main goal next year?

If I remember right, a couple of days ago he liked a tweet by someone who said they were looking forward to watching Remco, Pogacar and Vinegaard battle it out at the Tour next year.

 

[Didinho]

Before he said this was his first real GT because of normal preparations. At 22yo to be so dominant mentally and physically after what happened a couple years ago. Really impressed us all with 3 weeks of good legs and tactics. Hope he does the Giro next year to go for 2/2.

Never have been so passionate about a Belgian rider. So f*cking happy!!

 

[kingjr]

Btw, Cian Uijtdebroeks has basically won the lottery today. All the attention will be on Evenepoel for the foreseeable future and he can continue developing with relatively little pressure.

 

[Big Doopie]

"euh...allo, monsieur merckx...would you like to comment?"

...click...

 

[SHAD0W93]

"euh...allo, monsieur merckx...would you like to comment?"

...click...

“Listen here you little sh**!” But in Flemish, not English.

 

[Riek s]

Best rider of the vuelta by far. Strongest in TT and strongest uphill, was good since san sebastian!

will ridden! now the final touch tomorrow and we an ship you for the WC!


Fantastic result. For me he doesn't need to ride the tour next year, just plan your year with goals you want to try. If he can win the giro after this vuelta that would already be amazing result. (if you want to try the double, go for it). The tour is not the only thing, might be more prestigious and more points, but QS as a team isn't ready for such a race yet I believe. Use your time to grow and prepare.

 

[JosefK]

I think Remco would be a very strong contender in the TDF going forward. In the Vuelta, he showed that he can climb with the best. And in those rare situations when he's dropped, he does a great job at damage control, holding the gap. As he continues in preparation for big races, his climbing will likely improve also. He's shown he can last all 3 weeks at a high level. In time trialing, he's one of the best in the world.