Remco Evenepoel can look back on a successful comeback in the peloton. The Belgian didn’t really show at the front during the opening stage of the Tour of Britain but otherwise had no issues in the flat stage.
The 25-year-old rider returned to racing on Tuesday after a one-and-a-half-month absence. How did these first race kilometers since his withdrawal from the Tour de France feel? "Everything was fine today. Nothing special otherwise. I didn’t have any problems," he said afterwards to VTM Nieuws.
"It actually felt good. It was especially nice to be back in the peloton. The goal was to get through this stage safely and that succeeded. Therefore, it was a good day."
Training sessions towards main goals
While his teammates from Soudal Quick-Step take the bus to the hotel, Evenepoel hops back on his bike. "There are about three stages in this race where the ride to the hotel is only around forty kilometers. That’s not very long; cycling an extra hour is always a nice bonus."
On British roads, Evenepoel needs to stay focused. "Yes, they drive on the left here; I already know that," Evenepoel responds with a smile. "Klaas (sports director Lodewyck, ed.) will also ride behind me, so it should be safe enough," he says without worries.
