Remco Evenepoel wanted to win the Criterium du Dauphine time trial and he did so in great style. The Belgian not only won, but delivered the 1000th success to his Soudal-Quick Step and conquered the yellow jersey of the general classification. "It was tough. I think it was a bit like the seventh stage last year at the Tour. An uphill section, and this was a bit steeper, a bit harder - Evenepoel said after the awards ceremony - My goal was to go as fast as possible until the intermediate point and then try to maintain a steady pace until the finish. There was a lot of headwind before and after the climb, so I used it to make the best of my position and the power I can generate, and then on the climb I simply rode as fast as possible".

Evenepoel already had a clear idea yesterday of how he would tackle the 17.4-kilometer time trial. He had no fear and, knowing his opponents well, knew exactly what to do.

"I think we executed a perfect pace strategy, so in the end, as I said yesterday, I just wanted to win, and then we would see how it would go with the general classification and everything else: I can say I'm very happy with this victory".

Today's is the 1000th victory for Soudal-Quick Step, and Evenepoel wanted to dedicate it to Patrick Lefevere, who was the first to believe in his qualities.

"Yes, it's number 1,000, as the team's cap says, I'm really proud we made it. I think it's an honor for Patrick, for his entire past and everything he's done for the team. This victory is in his honor and for his entire career".

The Belgian is satisfied with his performance, not just for the victory but also for the time gaps. "I only saw the results when I was on the rollers, I had said I would focus solely on my time trial. We had a perfect plan and in the end the gap was quite wide even though this time trial was quite short, so I think I'm very happy to have gained more than a second per kilometer on everyone, and for some even more than two, so yes, I'm really proud and happy with the sensations I have now".

At the beginning of the Dauphine, Evenepoel had said he was in better shape compared to last year and that his sensations were very positive, particularly looking towards the upcoming Tour de France.

"I think especially in terms of weight I'm already in a good place, much better than I was last year at this same time, so I'm happy to have worked hard behind the scenes, focusing on my preparation day by day, week by week, and trusting the training that was developed. In the end, on the days I wanted to give my maximum, I did: I hope we can get through tomorrow's stage without problems and then focus on the weekend".

Tomorrow there will be a stage that on paper should be calm, while on Saturday and Sunday, the general classification riders will have to work hard because there will be important climbs.

"Today's time trial was already a good test, let's say about eight minutes of effort and then giving maximum until the top. I think I climbed as I wanted. So I think I can be happy and have had good sensations climbing, on the flat, and even downhill. For the next few days and the next month, we just need to continue building and tackle things day by day. There will certainly be a lot of pressure from other teams on the weekend, but with this victory I think I can be confident and perform well".