Respectively winner and second in the Tour of Catalonia after dominating all week, Primoz Roglic and Remco Evenepoel were just as happy as each other at the finish.
They are two happy men who climbed on the first and second step of the final podium of the Tour of Catalonia. The winner Primoz Roglic and his runner-up Remco Evenepoel dominated all week, winning all the distinctive jerseys, and are separated in the end by only six small seconds. On the final arrival in Barcelona, the two men did not hide their satisfaction, and particularly congratulated their team, Jumbo-Visma and Soudal-Quick Step, for their work throughout the seven stages.
“It was six difficult days and I suspected that the seventh would be too, confided Primoz Roglic. The team was great again, keeping me in good position, and I had the legs, so it’s a great week behind us and we can celebrate. The Tour of Catalonia is a race that I missed. The simple fact of being part of the history of one of the oldest races (it was created in 1911, editor’s note) makes me truly honored and happy to be one of the winners. A big thank you to the team around me and all the guys. »
Evenepoel: “Second at six seconds, it’s like the same time, isn’t it? »
On the side of the world champion, it was also satisfaction that dominated more than the frustration of failing for so little. ” I’m very happy. It was hard. As I mentioned this morning, it was going to be really difficult to overtake Primož on a course like this. It was a good battle with Primož and I’m happy that I was able to beat him in the sprint. He’s one of the strongest runners in the world, he’s in great shape, and when he’s in great shape, he might be the best runner in the world. As I said before, it’s easier to defend a shirt than to attack for a shirt, so kudos to him. He’s had a great week here, and for my part, I’m super happy to win this great stage here in Barcelona. I knew I was good so I was hoping to come here for the podium and win a few stages. In the end, finishing second overall with just six seconds is like the same time, right? It’s almost the same. I’m happy that my team was on point and I think we showed that we were maybe overall the strongest team this week. » This will delight his boss Patrick Lefevere, unhappy with the Belgian team at the E3 Grand Prix on Friday.
