Cycling star Remco Evenepoel was happy to swap the world champion's jersey for the maglia rosa at the start of the 106th Giro d'Italia.
"It's a nice change of pace. I want to enjoy every moment in it. It's always something special to wear a jersey like this at a Grand Tour and to be recognised by the fans," said the 23-year-old exceptional rider after winning the time trial on Saturday in impressive style.
The Belgian, often compared to the legend Eddy Merckx in his home country, dealt Primoz Roglic's rivals a heavy blow right at the start. Roglic, after all a three-time Vuelta winner, was already 43 seconds behind after the first 19.6 of 3489.2 kilometres. Even the two-time time trial world champion Filippo Ganna from Italy was distanced by 22 seconds. "The first mission is accomplished. The pink jersey wasn't the main goal today, but it's a nice bonus. It's always good to start with a lead," added the youngster.
Who can stop Evenepoel in this form? Only a fortnight ago, he had shown his extra class with his superior triumph in the tough Liège-Bastogne-Liège classic. Now came his return to the Giro, where two years ago he had abandoned his first attempt after 17 stages in disillusionment.
Evenepoel has long since become a world-class rider. He already won the Vuelta last year, now the Giro is to follow. And next year, an attack on the Tour throne is on the programme. That's the plan.
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