Remco Evenepoel dominates Tour de France time trial for stage 16 win
Remco Evenepoel claimed consecutive Tour de France victories by dominating the stage 16 time trial to reduce Tadej Pogacar’s overall lead on a bittersweet day for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.
The three-time world time trial champion navigated the 26.1km course along the shores of Lake Geneva in 32 minutes and 19 seconds.
It secured a second successive victory for the reigning Olympic champion, following his maiden road stage triumph on the Plateau de Solaison on Sunday.
However, the Belgian’s celebrations were dampened after team-mate and co-leader Florian Lipowitz crashed out of the prestigious Grand Tour.
Pogacar retains commanding yellow jersey
The German rider, who sat fifth in the general classification, misjudged a corner with 6.4km remaining and was forced to leave in an ambulance.
Overall race leader Pogacar experienced a nervous moment as he nearly slid out on the exact same treacherous bend that ended Lipowitz’s race.
The Slovenian managed to stay upright, ultimately finishing 28 seconds slower than his main rival to take second on the stage.
His advantage at the top of the general classification has now been reduced to four minutes and 32 seconds ahead of the demanding final week.
Bittersweet victory amid team-mate crash
I read this morning it’s been a while since a Belgian won on our national day so I’m proud to be the one. It’s unbelievable to take two victories in a row.
The joy of a stage win was heavily tempered by the loss of Lipowitz, who had been enjoying a stellar race before the incident.
The 24-year-old stage winner acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding the day’s results.
I’ve just been told my team-mate Lipowitz crashed, that’s very unfortunate… a bittersweet pill to swallow with this victory. I will really miss him for the last week.
Skjelmose shines in shadow of dominant leaders
Lidl-Trek rider Mattias Skjelmose produced an outstanding performance to claim third place, finishing one minute and four seconds adrift of the winner.
This latest success marks the 26th career time trial victory for the Belgian prodigy, reinforcing his status as a premier specialist against the clock.
When asked about challenging for the overall title, the former Vuelta a Espana winner remained realistic about his prospects against the dominant race leader.
If Tadej is on his way to win a fifth Tour de France, I think it’s just amazing that I can be a bit close to him, it’s an honour to race with him.