Remco Evenepoel's inevitability steamrollers opposition hopes at Volta ao Algarve

As Remco Evenepoel (Souda QuickStep) rolled to the podium to collect his stage win and leader’s jersey at the Volta ao Algarve, an almost crestfallen Magnus Sheffield (Ineos Grenadiers) watched on forlornly.

The young American had just put in the time trial of his life to beat the likes of Stefan Küng, Filippo Ganna and Wout van Aert, and he initially sat in the hot seat as Evenepoel scorched his way through the 22km course. At each time check, Evenepoel pulled further clear and what had been an optimistic smile on Sheffield’s face turned into a look of desolation.

Second was a fine result – world-class in fact – but there’s not much any rider can do when Evenepoel is in this sort of form. The pair shook hands in the mixed zone and shared a few kind words but this all felt rather inevitable for those who have seen Evenepoel stamp his form on the Volta ao Algarve on each of his previous two starts.

We all saw it coming. Welcome to the club, young Magnus.

“It feels super good. I was really motivated for the time trial today. It was the first one of the year in my beautiful rainbow jersey, so I was very motivated," Evenepoel said in front of a gantry of journalists that included GCN.

"There were a lot of strong guys on the start line and it seems like I had the best legs of everybody. I'm super proud of my time trial today."

Read more: Remco Evenepoel takes control with stage 4 time trial victory

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Evenepoel out on course

The Belgian made a point of thanking his teammates, and highlighted the development his squad have shown over the last 18 months.

It’s worth pointing out that the last time Evenepoel was at the race, in 2022, he was surrounded by sprinters and Classics riders, but in 2024 the Belgian squad is a mesh of climbers, and experienced ones at that. This Soudal Quick-Step team could be one of the surprise packages of the season when it comes to stage racing success.

“I was already confident, I have a very strong team around me, and having strong teammates gives me extra motivation and confidence. The result of today proves even more that we’re going to go for it tomorrow on a hard stage,” Evenepoel said.

One stage to go

The final stage of the Volta ao Algarve finishes on the customary summit of the Alto do Malhāo, where Evenepoel secured his first two Algarve titles.

Only Dani Martínez (Bora-Hansgrohe) sits at under a minute on GC, 48 seconds down on Evenepoel, and with the rest of the GC contenders scattered out of contention. Even Martínez at his utmost best will struggle to take back more than a handful of seconds at this point.

“I don’t know my advantage on second place in GC but we have a very strong team and we already showed that on stage 2, so we are ready to defend tomorrow. Hopefully, we can go for a stage win again, and the yellow jersey of course,” the race leader said.

© Dario Belingheri/Velo Collection via Getty Images

Evenepoel speaks to the media after his win

A win in Portugal would mean Evenepoel becomes the first and only rider ever to win three Algarve titles.

"I need to arrive at the finish line tomorrow but it would be a very proud moment in my life and in my career to be the first one to win it three times. It would also be three victories out of three participations, so that would be a very nice start to my 2024 season. We can be happy with the work we’ve done in the winter,” he said.

When asked who he was still concerned with in terms of the GC, Evenepoel pointed to the usual suspects but, barring injury or illness, the race is in the bag.

“All the guys who are still quite close to the yellow jersey are quite dangerous. Daniel Martinez was really strong on Thursday. The Bora team and the Jumbo team will have good plans for the race tomorrow but we have to focus on ourselves and believe in our own strength, and then go for it.”

It’s February, we’ve been here before with Evenepoel and early-season form but there’s no doubt that there’s a greater sense of maturity about him. He’s been successful since year dot, so had to grow up fast, but the reassurance around him, and the improvements in his team are noteworthy.

Sterner tests await, but for now, the Evenepoel inevitability rolls on.