Belgian cyclist Remko Evenepoel (“Soudal Quick-Step”) emerged victorious in the Criterium du Dauphine time trial, completing the 17.4-kilometer course, which featured a small hill, in a blistering 20 minutes and 51 seconds.

Evenepoel’s average speed reached an remarkable 50.076 kilometers per hour, solidifying his position as a top contender.

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegords (Visa / Lease A bike) secured second place, trailing by 21 seconds, while American mateo Jorgenson (Visa / lease A bike) finished third, 38 seconds behind. Slovenian Taday Pogačar (UAE) took fourth place with a 49-second deficit.

Skujiņš, representing the Lidl-Trek team, finished two minutes and ten seconds slower than Evenepoel.Neiland (“Israel – Premier Tech”) completed the course three minutes and 35 seconds behind the leader.

Evenepoel Takes Overall Lead

“Evenepool carried the distance with an average speed of 50,076 kilometers per hour.”

With his stellar performance, Evenepoel now leads the overall standings, surpassing German Florian Lipovitz (“Red Bull – Bora – Hansgrohe”). Spaniard Ivan Romero (“Movistar”) is five seconds behind Evenepoel.Skujiņš is currently in 47th place, two minutes and 29 seconds off the lead, while Neiland sits in 126th position with a 15-minute and 59-second deficit.

The eight-day cycling event is scheduled to conclude on Sunday.

The Criterium du Dauphine serves as a crucial preparatory race for the upcoming Tour de France.

Background on the Criterium du Dauphine