Belgian professional cyclist Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) has his first triumph at the Tour of Spain very close to his eyes.
On the 20th and penultimate stage, the 22-year-old confidently defended his lead (2:05 minutes) over his closest pursuer Enric Mas (Spain/Movistar) – at the finish, Evenepoel fought back tears of joy.
Olympic champion Richard Carapaz from Ecuador from the top British team Ineos Grenadiers celebrated his third day’s victory after 181 km from Moralzarzal to Puerto de Navacerrada. The 29-year-old had the strongest legs on the final climb. Second place went to Dutchman Thymen Arensman (DSM), while Spaniard Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) finished third.
On Sunday, Evenepoel has to survive 96.7km from Las Rozas on the last leg of the 77th Vuelta to win the red jersey. Defending champion Primoz Roglic, who had recently secured overall victory three times in a row, had to retire on Wednesday due to injury. In the sprint final on Tuesday, he had a serious fall, having previously been in second place overall in the race.