Giro d'Italia 'more exciting than ever' but Ineos hold 'best cards' after Remco Evenepoel exit - Jens Voigt exclusive
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Published 15/05/2023 at 13:46 GMT
The 2023 Giro d'Italia has been given a major shake-up with the news that Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-Quick Step) has withdrawn following a positive Covid-19 test. Eurosport expert Jens Voigt has given his views on what Evenepoel's exit means for the race, including how Ineos Grenadiers duo Geraint Thomas and Tao Geoghegan Hart might take advantage in the GC battle.
Stage 9 highlights: Evenepoel pips Thomas in thrilling time trial
Jens Voigt believes Ineos Grenadiers can take control of the Giro d’Italia following Remco Evenepoel’s withdrawal – and thinks the race is “more exciting than ever”.
Soudal-Quick Step’s Evenepoel was leading the general classification by 45 seconds after winning the Stage 9 time trial.
But he withdrew ahead of the first rest day following a positive Covid-19 test.
The announcement means Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) now leads the Giro by three seconds from Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma).
Ineos also have former Giro champion Tao Geoghegan Hart in third place, just five seconds off the lead.
Ahead of the race resuming with Stage 10 on Tuesday, Eurosport expert Voigt outlined what he thinks Evenepoel’s exit means for the general classification battle.
"The Giro is open and exciting as never before,” said Voigt.
“I can't remember a Grand Tour where the first three riders were within five seconds of each other after more than 100km. The competitors for the podium all look equally strong and balanced.
"From now on, every stage will be super exciting. Every single second will be at stake.
"Ineos Grenadiers certainly look the strongest now - they have their captain in the leader's jersey and a very strong young rider in third. They have shown in the last few days that they are the strongest team.
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Blythe: Evenepoel looked 'tired' in Stage 9 time trial win at Giro d'Italia
“When it matters, they are in front in the block, controlling and dominating the race. Thomas and Geoghegan Hart certainly have the best cards to win the Giro now.
“But Primoz Roglic showed in the time trial that he should not be written off. He had a mixed start, but then improved and is one of the strongest riders on the mountain. The race is more exciting than ever.
“Joao Almeida should also be added to the list, as well as the two captains of Bora-hansgrohe, Aleksandr Vlasov and Lennard Kamna. However, they have to be more active in the next stages and gain a few more seconds on the difficult stages."
Evenepoel was bidding to win successive Grand Tours following his Vuelta a Espana victory last summer.
He won two stages – both time trials on Stage 1 and Stage 9 – but was also involved in two crashes on a rain-soaked Stage 5.
Voigt added: “Evenepoel's elimination took us all completely by surprise, but in retrospect we have to say that in the time trial he was not as strong as we all expected.
“Even the day before he couldn't quite keep up with Roglic, Geoghegan Hart and Thomas. That could have been an indication of illness.
"He was obviously not seriously ill, but it is enough that he lacks the crucial percentages of performance. Then the only solution is to go home. Even if it is difficult and painful to drop out while in the lead."
Evenepoel’s withdrawal has led to suggestions that he could switch focus and contend at the Tour de France this summer.
He is yet to ride the Tour, but Voigt expects Evenepoel to recover and come back strongly this year.
“Rest, get healthy and attack again later in the season,” he said.
“One man's sorrow is another man's joy: as tragic as it is for Remco Evenepoel, the Giro has become even more exciting for the spectators because of his retirement."
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