Alaphilippe and Evenepoel combine youth and experience at Vuelta a San Juan
Julian Alaphilippe and Remco Evenepoel combined forces to give Deceuninck-Quickstep an important stage victory on day two at the Vuelta a San Juan, setting up a chance for either of them to take the race lead in Tuesday’s 12km time trial stage and perhaps even win the overall classification.
Alaphilippe won the stage with a perfectly timed and perfectly executed late attack, going away with Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and Tiesj Benoot (Lotto Soudal) before kicking away again to hold off the chasers. Evenepoel made sure he was well placed on the short climb up to the edge of Punta Negra dam when Alaphilippe attacked and then finished 15th in the chase group.
The 19-year-old neo-pro began his career in the spotlight after dominating the junior time trial and road race world titles events last September. He skipped the under-23 ranks and immediately became a professional with Deceuninck-Quickstep, and the Belgian fans and media loved his ability and natural confidence. He and Deceuninck-Quickstep have tried to play down the hype and expectation but Evenepoel showed it was justified in a single performance.
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Evenepoel was overjoyed to have ridden so well. After congratulating Alaphilippe on his stage victory, he rode to Deceuninck-Quickstep’s team van, happy to explain the finale of the stage and share his emotions with the team staff. They were happy to help him wipe the fatigue and dirt from his face, knowing they are also working with a huge talent.
The value of his performance was confirmed by the arrival of a race official who informed Evenepoel that he needed to go to the podium because he had taken the best under-23 rider’s green jersey. At just 19 and in his debut race as a professional, he had already done better than the other 24 under-23 riders in the Vuelta a San Juan. He also moved up to 13th overall, only 13 seconds down on teammate Alaphilippe. He is within touching distance of the race lead and is perhaps one of the best time triallists in the top 50 of the overall classification.
Evenepoel proudly walked to the podium area and enjoyed collecting the praise, the flowers and kisses. He was clearly happy to enjoy his first moment as part of Deceuninck-Quickstep’s success.
Alaphilippe off the mark
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