If Tadej Pogacar monopolized the spotlight with an extraordinary victory and a new Alpe d'Huez climbing record, behind him there is another rider who can be satisfied after the nineteenth stage of the Tour de France. It is Remco Evenepoel, protagonist of a high-quality performance that consolidates his second place in the general classification and strengthens his ambitions of reaching Paris behind the Slovenian.

The Belgian champion of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe crossed the finish line in sixth place, proving to be the best among all riders fighting for the final podium. A result that allowed him to gain precious seconds on his direct rivals and increase his margin to over two and a half minutes.

«In the end everything went well - Evenepoel said after the finish line - I immediately understood that Tadej was going too fast. Following him was an impossible mission».

Once he saw the general classification leader take off, the Belgian chose to manage the race intelligently. «I simply positioned myself on the wheel of the Decathlon group. Their pace wasn't particularly high and I felt very good. For this reason, five kilometers from the summit, I decided to attack».

The move, however, didn't go exactly as he had imagined. «My attack had to develop in two phases because I was hindered by spectators and also by motorcycles. It's a real shame, because without that incident I believe the result would have been different».

On Alpe d'Huez, as tradition dictates, crowds were packed along the twenty-one hairpin turns and in some places the space available for riders was extremely limited. A situation that created several moments of tension and which, according to Evenepoel, also influenced his move.

«It was almost inevitable that sooner or later something like this would happen. It's a shame it happened right while I was attacking».

Despite the regret, the day's balance remains extremely positive. «I must be satisfied. I gained ten seconds and above all I proved to be the best among the other podium contenders. With an advantage of over two and a half minutes I look with great confidence at the coming days».

Evenepoel also had to bow to yet another demonstration of strength from Tadej Pogacar. «It was quite predictable that yesterday Tadej would try something special. He was once again unstoppable. Now he only needs to seal everything with the final victory».

For the Belgian, however, the race is not yet over. The objective is to defend second place all the way to Paris and face the last major mountain stage with confidence.

«Anything can still happen, but the sensations are excellent. The legs are responding well and the team is also working great».

Evenepoel wanted to emphasize the contribution of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, which also demonstrated great solidity on Alpe d'Huez.

«We were one of the few teams to still have several riders in the group of the best. Mattia Cattaneo stayed up front for a long time and this demonstrates the great work we are doing. I am truly very satisfied with the team».

The focus is already on the twentieth stage, which has different characteristics compared to the Alpe d'Huez finish. «Today will be a completely different day. It's a less explosive stage with climbs tackled at a more regular pace. I think it may suit my characteristics better. I've already studied the route and I can't wait to face it. I'll give everything to reach Paris with this second place».

Among the memories of the day will also be the incredible atmosphere breathed on Alpe d'Huez. «The craziest moment was when I suddenly found myself in the middle of the motorcycles», he said with a smile. «With all those people it's really difficult to stay focused, because you have to constantly pay attention to what's happening around you». The crowd also left its mark on... the Belgian champion's ears. «I still have a ringing in my right ear. The radio earpiece is on the left, so I heard little from that side, but the right one is still ringing quite a lot», he joked. «In any case it was a fantastic experience».

Alpe d'Huez crowned Pogacar once again, but also delivered a Remco Evenepoel in great form. The Belgian demonstrated that he has the condition, tactical clarity, and a team capable of supporting him in decisive moments. The yellow jersey now seems out of reach, but second place is increasingly within grasp and, after a show of strength like the one offered on the Tour's most celebrated climb, Evenepoel can look with optimism towards Paris.