Bold Evenepoel attacks, but takes even bigger hits: "Their engines are bigger than mine"

Soudal-Quick Step took over from UAE-Team Emirates on the Col de Turini and increased the pace with a grand objective in mind. "We tried to put some pressure on Vingegaard, but unfortunately, it didn't work out. It was a gamble, and we lost, but we can be proud of what we showed in this Tour," Evenepoel told Het Nieuwsblad afterwards.

The effort was certainly there, as the young rider in the white jersey noted. "I attacked hard twice, but then you see that they are two former Tour winners. They just have a lot more experience, their engines are so much bigger than mine at the moment. I just have to accept that, but I'm happy with what I was able to show." Evenepoel had hoped to make up time on Vingegaard, but ultimately lost 52 seconds (including bonus seconds) to his rival, putting him now three minutes behind the second place.

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The 24-year-old Belgian is pleased with his consistent performance over the past three weeks. "I never really faltered, which is probably a reassurance to you as well. But I think I still need many specific training sessions to be able to follow or even attack those guys. I still have a lot of work to do to close that gap." The gap to the two ahead of him is large, but Evenepoel also sees the positive side. "I'm happy with what I was able to show. At this moment, I can be super proud of what I've done. There were only two men better than me in this Tour, and they are the last four Tour winners. So, that's certainly no disgrace."

With a third place, the young rider's jersey, and a stage win virtually in his pocket, Evenepoel can speak of an extremely impressive Tour debut. Does Evenepoel see opportunities in the closing stage after his victory in the time trial in the first week? "Absolutely. I want to end this Tour with a stage win. If it doesn't happen, then so be it. I will be very happy regardless," Evenepoel concluded. The competition will be fierce. The closing time trial suits yellow jersey wearer Pogacar better on paper than the first time trial, with the 8.2-kilometer climb to La Turbie included in the course. The Tour's final dessert is sure to be a treat.

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At Soudal-Quick Step, there was little to complain about across the team after the twentieth stage. On Sporza, domestique Ilan Van Wilder also acknowledged that they had gambled and lost. "We had very clear instructions from the start. Everyone knew exactly what they had to do. The start was extremely hard, things immediately broke into pieces. When the early breakaway includes the yellow jersey's team, you know it's going to be tough. We were still waiting to see how we would execute the plan, but it eventually went as we'd hoped," said the young Belgian.

Van Wilder has been riding alongside Evenepoel for several years now and has even already won a Vuelta a España with him. The outspoken climber believes the overall win in the Tour will come one day. "We showed courage and can be satisfied with today's ride. Will Remco ever win the Tour? Of course, there's no doubt about that. If he can finish third in his first Tour de France, it will be fine. I definitely believe in that."