Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick Step) was the fastest in the 4th stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné, a 17.4-kilometer time trial finishing in Saint-Péray. This test was also important for Tadej, who finished in 4th place, 49 seconds behind the Belgian competitor. He was also overtaken by Visma Lease a Bike team riders Jonas Vingegaard and Matteo Jorgenson.
Evenepoel donned the yellow leader’s jersey with the stage win, while Tadej is 38 seconds behind him in 8th place. »I didn’t do the perfect time trial today. I think I probably got the pacing slightly wrong. I started out on the first section a bit too conservative and should have pushed a bit more there. But it’s okay – that’s why we are here, to tune-up before the Tour and improve. There are still three big stages to come here and I’m looking forward to it. The team is working well and with the rivals we have here, it’s the best place to test ourselves,« Tadej said at the finish.
He will continue to fight with the UAE Team Emirates – XRG for his first overall victory at the Critérium du Dauphiné, in which he only participated in 2020 and finished in 4th place.
Tadej, who won the opening stage and wore the yellow jersey for one day, still has plenty of opportunities for a turnaround. Tomorrow’s 5th stage will most likely be for sprinters or a breakaway, followed by three consecutive alpine tests with summit finishes, where not only Tadej but also Vingegaard, who is 16 seconds behind Evenepoel, and other riders will likely attack.