Remco Evenepoel on Saturday said that he felt “a bit stupid” after Primoz Roglic pounced in the final meters to win the eighth stage of the Vuelta a Espana.
On a good day for Team Jumbo-Visma, Roglic’s teammate Sepp Kuss took the overall lead of the race.
“It’s really cool,” Kuss said. “I’m happy to wear his jersey.”
Photo: AFP
The trio were part of a small elite group that survived the final climb and then charged downhill to the line at the end of a mountainous 165km stage from Denia to Xorret de Cati.
When Evenepoel, famous for his finishing speed, attacked in the final stretch, Roglic responded and surged past for the stage win.
“I didn’t know we were fighting for the victory,” Evenepoel said. “I thought there was still a group in front.”
The Slovenian “wasn’t really fastest,” Evenepoel said.
“It’s very frustrating, because I felt very good and I think I could win this stage. Probably the sports director said it on the radio and I missed it,” he said. “I feel a bit stupid, actually.”
Juan Ayuso finished third with a two-second gap before the next five riders including Kuss and the third Jumbo heavyweight Jonas Vingegaard crossed the line.
Roglic gained a 10-second bonus for winning. Evenepoel collected six.
“Some seconds lost to Roglic, but some gained on others,” the Belgian defending champion said.
Asked if the finish proved he was a faster sprinter, Roglic laughed.
“It’s nice. Now I can be even more relaxed,” he said.
He added that he was happy to grab the victory.
“You always hope for the best,” he said. “It’s always a bit of a gamble in a sprint, but I had the legs to do it.”
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