Evenepoel targets Tour lead in pivotal time trial

ROUEN, France: Belgium’s Remco Evenepoel is targeting the coveted yellow jersey as the Tour de France heads into its first major test — a 33km time trial around Caen in Stage 5 on Wednesday.

The Normandy course, described by race director Thierry Gouvenou as “extremely rolling” with 200 metres of climbing, is expected to separate the early contenders in this year’s race.

Evenepoel, a two-time time trial world champion, enters the stage as the clear favourite following the withdrawals of key rivals Filippo Ganna and Stefan Bissegger. The Soudal Quick-Step rider is confident in his form after a strong fourth stage, saying, “It’s clear that the legs are there… I hope that it will be enough to maybe go for the yellow jersey.”

Evenepoel currently trails reigning champion Tadej Pogacar by 58 seconds and Jonas Vingegaard by 50 seconds. But the Belgian believes the gap is within reach: “I think we can make up the 58 seconds. Tomorrow suits me very well.”

All eyes will also be on Pogacar, who claimed his 100th career victory on Tuesday. The Slovenian struggled in his last time trial encounter with Evenepoel at the Dauphiné, losing significant time.

With pressure mounting and gaps narrowing, Wednesday’s time trial could reshape the general classification and set the tone for the weeks ahead.