Tour de France: Time trial: Evenepoel's next jab at Pogacar?

Remco Evenepoel has practically conceded the Tour de France overall victory to Tadej Pogacar, stating that the dream of winning the race is out of reach if everything goes according to plan. The Belgian cyclist, currently in second place overall and five minutes behind the Slovenian leader, is instead focusing on securing a podium finish in Paris.

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I don't get too carried away and don't dream of a Tour victory. If everything goes according to plan, this dream is out of reach.

Evenepoel, who won the 15th stage, aims to claim another stage victory in the upcoming time trial, his specialty. He is also looking to improve his personal best at the Tour, having finished third overall in 2024. His teammate Florian Lipowitz, who started the race as a co-leader, is now expected to support Evenepoel, especially in the time trial where Evenepoel is the clear favorite.

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The main goal is to have someone on the podium in Paris.

"The main goal is to have someone on the podium in Paris," said Lipowitz, acknowledging Evenepoel's strong chances. Evenepoel used the rest day to scout the 26.1-kilometer time trial course between Èvian-les-Bains and Thonon-les-Bains, describing the finish descent as fast, technical, and somewhat dangerous. He is also looking ahead to the demanding Alpine stages on Friday and Saturday, aiming to conserve energy and deliver his best performance in the final week.

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Very fast and very technical, also a bit dangerous, but that applies to everyone.