Not even time to definitively archive the Giro d’Italia which has already begun countdown to the Tour de France. From June 29th the Grande Boucle will characterize the great international cycling and everyone is waiting for the duel between Jonas Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike) e Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates), chasing a double with the Giro. But many are looking for a place in the sun, like Remco Evenepoel.
The leader of Soudal-Quick Step returns to the race today after an absence of two months. He too was involved in the bad fall at the Tour of the Basque Country which saw Vingegaard risk more than a broken collarbone, broken ribs and a collapsed lung. Evenepoel also suffered a collarbone fracture, which was repaired with surgery.
And in fact the Belgian has no expectations for the Tour of the Dauphiné which starts today: “I don’t have specific goals, I’m interested in understanding what my feeling is with my legs compared to the final result. I hope to finish better than I finished in the race, and if I do that this week will be a success. I will try to support Van Wilder and Landa, they are in good shape“.
One of the most interesting tests for him will be the time trial: “An important check to understand if I can tolerate pressure on the collarbone well, I’m curious to know how the shoulder will react with the muscles tense for aerodynamics. This is the next step in improving my form for the Tour“. And he has no doubts about the favorite for the yellow jersey: “The pressure will be on UAE Team Emirates, Pogacar the Giro was impressive and he will have a stronger team by his side: he will be the man to beat. With him Vingegaard, for me there isn’t much pressure. We will have to follow the others, and if you can follow Pogacar for one day, then it will be like winning“.
