Remco Evenepoel gained significant ground on race leader Tadej Pogacar during the 16th stage of the Tour de France, shaving 28 seconds off the Slovenian’s advantage after a commanding performance in the time-trial. The Belgian Olympic champion navigated the 26.1km route along Lake Geneva in 32 minutes and 19 seconds.
This victory marks a second consecutive stage win for the 26-year-old, following his success on the previous day’s mountain climb. While Pogacar finished the course in 32 minutes and 47 seconds, his overall lead has now shrunk to 4 minutes and 32 seconds. Denmark’s Mattias Skjelmose secured third place, finishing over a minute behind the winner.
Evenepoel expressed pride in achieving his fourth career Tour stage win on Belgium’s national day, noting the presence of his family at the event. However, the day was marred by a severe accident involving his teammate Florian Lipowitz. The German rider, who was fifth in the general classification, crashed heavily on a turn and was forced to withdraw from the race, leaving the team with mixed emotions regarding the day’s results.
