WorldTour
Remco Evenepoel leads Florian Lipowitz to the podium
The collaboration between the two captains has propelled the duo further forward in the overall standings of the Volta a Catalunya.
Part of this story
On the penultimate climb of the 6th stage through Spain's north-east, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe stretched out in front of the remaining group of favourites. Around 30 kilometres of the 158 kilometres were still to be ridden. First Florian increased the pressure with an initial increase in speed, then Remcotook over in front of the group over the crest.
Especially on the descent, the double Olympic champion pushed so hard that some rivals in the overall standings lost touch, especially Felix Gall, who was second in the classification at the time. Remco kept up the pace in the wind on the flat section leading up to the final climb before he also took the lead there.
Remco and Florian in the leading group
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Remco goes on the attack on the descent
"We knew that there would be a super steep climb in the middle of the race. I wasn't feeling super good at that point. The plan was actually to attack on the second last climb. But after the steep climb I wasn't super confident," Remco described the situation beforehand. "We set an extremely high pace to make the race difficult for Lipo and we knew that the descent would be very technical. That's why I went full gas downhill with Lipo on my wheel. The group fell apart completely and I rode full gas all the way to the finish line because I wanted to help Lipo get on the podium."
I wanted to help Lipo get on the podium.
The plan worked. Florian finished third on the day, ten seconds behind Jonas Vingegaard and the same time as Lenny Martinez. This is also how the overall standings look ahead of the final stage, with only eight seconds separating Florian from Martinez.
Full gas downhill: Remco Evenepoel
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
"Remco did a fantastic job. I don't even know what to say," said Florian , expressing his gratitude for the great support. "We rode down the descent really fast and realised that we had quite a big gap on Skjelmose and Gall. Then Remco rode from the front and did me a huge favour."
Final in Barcelona another chance for the stage win
But Remco himself was also able to improve with his efforts. Fifth place in the stage result is also reflected in the classification. "In the end, I saved my GC for this week. There's another day tomorrow and we'll try to get the stage win," said Remco.
Florian Lipowitz reaches the finish in Queralt in third place.
© Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
Florian is also optimistic about the finale in Barcelona. "I'm feeling better from day to day. Tomorrow we have another really difficult day. I hope my legs stay this good, then we can also manage the stage well."
Part of this story
