Remco Evenpoel (24 years old) dominated the final stage of Paris-Nice. He eventually proved to be faster than 24-year-old Matthieu Jorgenson in the sprint race, but had to leave the final victory to the American from Visma – Lease a Bike. “We were the strongest runners in the race.”
look. Evenepoel after winning a stage in Paris-Nice: “Except for Friday, I can’t blame myself”
The day of truth in “The Road to the Sun”. Will Remco Evenepoel continue to seize power in Paris-Nice? The Belgian champion had to make up 36 seconds behind leader Brandon McNulty in fourth place, but before the start of the final stage, Evenepoel spoke clearly. “It is not my responsibility to attack the yellow jersey. Winning the stage is more important than the final classification.”
Before Evenepoel unleashed his demons in search of victory on stage, another compatriot caught the spotlight. Victor Campenaerts broke the course after four kilometers and set off alone on an adventure through the wet French roads. His adventure took at least 60 kilometers before he was captured by a large group of favourites, including Evenepoel, Roglic, McNulty, Vlasov and Jorgenson.
Evenepoel witnessed the moment of his arrival on the Côte de Peille. He tested his legs three times and succeeded in weakening the leading group. Only Vlasov and Jorgenson were able to follow the wheel. Commander McNulty was forced to withdraw. The race was quite open: both Evenpoel and Jorgenson could still qualify for the world rankings, but Vlasov was also a formidable competitor. The latter settled at the wheel of Evenpoel and Jorgenson, who took responsibility and took turns in the lead.
The three stayed together until the final climb. Vlasov was thrown into the sea on the Col des Quatre-Chemins. It came down to a duel between Jorgenson and Evenepoel on the stage and final victory. Evenepoel made another sprint and won the stage. The yellow jersey eventually went to Matteo Jorgenson. Evenpoel finished second in the final classification and won the Mountain Jersey, Points Jersey and Fighting Spirit Award.
Evenepoel: “I felt a bit like Mark Cavendish”
“Jorgenson was the only person I had to follow today,” Evenepoel said after his stage win. “He is a deserved winner. I can be satisfied with this result after a great week. I have never raced like this on a mountain stage. Three times I tried my best to unload Jorgenson. I had a feeling that we were the two strongest riders in the race. However, he believes Evenpoel says he can do better. “I still have room to grow and I still have to do altitude training. Now the target turns to the classics. “I made a tactical mistake on Friday, but apart from that mistake, I can’t blame myself.”
In addition to the stage win, the points jersey also went to Evenpoel. A novelty for the Belgian champion. “I feel a bit like Mark Cavendish,” he laughs. “I wasn't working on it, but it's a bonus.”
look. Plugge after Jorgenson's final win
15:12
Evenypoel wins!
It's a quick race between Evenepoel and Jorgenson. Here our citizen proves that he is the strongest. He's got the stage win, the points jersey, the polka dot jersey, and the battle for the lust for the prize. Matthew Jorgenson is the overall winner.
14:54
Another 4 km: Jorgenson's grip
Jorgenson seems to realize that he will win Paris-Nice. He raises his fist in the air in front of the camera. Is this stage a victory for our citizen? However, Evenepoel can stand on the podium for the Mountain T-shirt and the Fighting Spirit Award.
14:51
6 kilometers to go: No more attacks
It looks like Evenepoel and Jorgenson will reach the finish line together. Will they split the cake in half or will there be an attack in the final kilometers?
14:44
Another 10 km: Vlasov loses
On the final climb, Vlasov has to let Jorgenson and Evenpoel ride. It's about a duel between an American and our compatriot.
14:38
Another 12 km: Col des Quatre-Chemins
The trio began the final climb. Col des Quatre-Chemins is 3.8 km away, with a rate of 8.1%. Will Evenepoel make a final attempt to get rid of Jorgenson and Vlasov?
2:35 pm
Polka dot jacket for Evenepoel?
In addition to the stage win and final classification, Evenepoel can also take home the polka dot jersey. There is a fight between our compatriot and Vlasov.
14:32
14:29
Another 22 km: Roglic Gardens
Roglic is completely parked on the Col d'Eze. He must also take on the role in the chasing group. The situation at the front has not changed. The trio leads by a minute and a half over McNulty. Vlasov is still stuck in the wheel of Evenpoel and Jorgenson.
14:19
14:17
Another 30 km: lead increase
The trio now has one minute ahead of leader McNulty. He could put final victory out of his mind. In the leading group, Evenpoel and Jorgenson mainly do the work. Vlasov settles in their haste.
14:11
Still 35 km: 25 seconds for the leading trio
The situation is as follows. Evenepoel, Vlasov and Jorgenson lead by 25 seconds over Roglic, McNulty, Skilmoz and others.
14:03
13:59
Another 43 km: Evenpoel again
Third time is the charm? Remco Evenepoel starts again and weakens the leading group further. Leader Brandon McNulty is cracking, but Matthew Jorgenson is still in touch. Will the two continue together?
13:55
Kooij withdraws from Paris-Nice
The Dutchman Olaf Kooij (Visma – rent a bike) had already left the final stage in the first hour of the race. The sprinter won two stages of this edition and also wore the yellow leader's jersey for one day.
13:54
Remco Evenpoel attack
13:53
13:52
Another 46 km: Evenpoel opens the discussions
Campenaerts was arrested only when his other compatriot was already in the spotlight. In the Côte de Belle, Remco Evenepoel tested his legs twice and managed to reduce the leading group.
13:46
Another 48 km: Campinart was captured
Vocsnor is in trouble. After a great solo ride, he was caught by the peloton. Everything has to be done again on the next ascent.
13:37
Another 56 km: The lead shrinks to Campenaerts
15 seconds remain between Campenaerts and the peloton. Our compatriot has been wandering alone on French roads for a long time, but his song seems to be about to end.
13:26
Another 63 km: Big group with Evenpoel
As expected, slippery roads make the trip difficult. Campenaerts is still exploring the French roads on his own, while everything has to be done again in the background. A large group, including Evenepoel, is increasing the search for a Lotto Dstny rider.
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