Remco Evenepoel won his second stage. © APA/afp / LUCA BETTINI

Evenepoel takes back Giro lead

World champion Remco Evenepoel has taken back the overall lead at the Giro d'Italia in the time trial of the 9th stage.

14 May 2023

From: apa

The 23-year-old Belgian won on Sunday over 35 km from Savignano sul Rubicone to Cesena in rainy conditions in a second showdown just ahead of the two Ineos professionals Geraint Thomas (+ 1 second) and Tao Geoghegan Hart (+2). The previous leader Andreas Leknessund from Norway was 19th (+1:15 minutes).

Evenepoel thus regained the pink jersey from Leknessund, and the top favorite is now 45 seconds ahead of Thomas in the overall standings. Third is co-favorite Primoz Roglic (+ 47), who only lost 17 seconds in sixth place on Sunday, Geoghegan Hart lurks in fourth place (+ 50). Leknessund, which is not considered a candidate for overall victory, fell to sixth place, 1:07 minutes behind.

Not completely satisfied despite the win

“It wasn’t my best time trial, but it’s a stage win,” said Evenepoel at the finish. “Going into the mountains with such a head start is very good. Ineos will definitely attack me, but we have a strong team and a lot of self-confidence. Tomorrow I'll recover, the last two days weren't my best." The first rest day at the Giro is on the agenda on Monday.

Geraint Thomas narrowly missed out on winning the day. © APA/afp / LUCA BETTINI

Evenepoel had already worn the pink jersey in the first three stages, but gave up the lead again for tactical reasons. Evenepoel also won the opening time trial at the Giro, but with a significantly larger lead. On Saturday, the professional from Soudal - Quick Step, who had fallen several times during the tour, showed slight weaknesses after a Roglic attack. Many had expected Evenepoel to win more clearly on Sunday.