In a surprising turn of events, cycling stars Josh Tarling and Ethan Hayter express their respect for Remco Evenepoel's prowess, but wish for a different outcome in the upcoming UAE Tour time trial. But is this a fair sentiment?
The stage is set for an intriguing battle as the UAE Tour's 12.2km individual time trial breaks the norm. World champion Remco Evenepoel, a force to be reckoned with, will start fifth, a significant delay after the stage 1 leader, Isaac del Toro, takes off. Del Toro, riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, seized the initiative on the opening day, showcasing his bravery on the uphill finish to claim the overall lead and a 10-second gap over Evenepoel, the rising star of Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe.
Tarling, who previously bested TT specialists, now faces an even greater challenge in Evenepoel. He humorously admits he'd rather not have the world champion as a competitor, knowing the level of competition he brings. And this is where it gets interesting: Hayter, when asked if Evenepoel is unbeatable, provides a nuanced perspective.
He acknowledges that Evenepoel's performance at the Euros and Worlds last year was exceptional, but also highlights the role of equipment in this particular time trial. Hayter suggests that aerodynamics play a crucial part on this flat and fast course, potentially diminishing the impact of raw power. A controversial opinion, perhaps?
Evenepoel's recent race history includes a TTT win in Mallorca and an ITT victory at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, although the latter was on road bikes due to weather conditions. Hayter, while not expecting a win, hopes for a solid performance, recalling his success in similar time trials in the past.
James Moultrie, an accomplished journalist, brings his expertise to Cyclingnews, having previously covered prestigious races and interviewed cycling legends. His passion for sports extends beyond cycling, making him a well-rounded sports enthusiast.
