Remco Evenepoel won the stage-16 time trial from Evian to Thonon-les-Bains, beating race leader Tadej Pogacar by 28 seconds to close some of the Slovenian's overall advantage, while a doping test row surrounding the race continues to deepen.
Key facts
- Remco Evenepoel won the stage-16 time trial from Evian to Thonon-les-Bains.
- He beat Tadej Pogacar by 28 seconds, cutting the Slovenian's overall lead to just over four and a half minutes.
- It was Evenepoel's third Tour time trial win of his career and a back-to-back stage victory.
- Florian Lipowitz, who finished third last year, quit the race after crashing.
Remco Evenepoel took back-to-back stage wins in the Tour de France, eroding some of Tadej Pogacar’s overall lead with victory in the stage-16 time trial from Evian to Thonon-les-Bains, according to the Guardian.
The Olympic road and time trial champion, now second overall in the Tour, won on the Belgian national day, finishing 28 seconds ahead of Pogacar. The result reduced the Slovenian’s advantage to just over four and a half minutes.
It was the third Tour time trial win of Evenepoel’s career. Speaking after the stage, the Belgian said his pursuit of the leader was “not over yet.”
The stage was also marked by the withdrawal of Florian Lipowitz, who finished third last year. He quit the race after crashing, according to the Guardian.
The victory came against the backdrop of a night-time doping test row surrounding the race, which the Guardian reported was deepening.
Evenepoel’s back-to-back stage successes leave him as the closest challenger to Pogacar as the Tour continues, with the Belgian signalling his intent to keep chasing the overall lead.
Frequently asked questions
Who won stage 16 of the Tour de France?
Remco Evenepoel won the stage-16 time trial from Evian to Thonon-les-Bains, beating Tadej Pogacar by 28 seconds, according to the Guardian.
What is Pogacar's overall lead after stage 16?
Evenepoel's win reduced Tadej Pogacar's overall advantage to just over four and a half minutes.
Why did Florian Lipowitz leave the race?
Florian Lipowitz, who finished third last year, quit the race after crashing, the Guardian reported.