Remco Evenepoel praises 'perfect plan' behind 'supersonic ride' as he clinches yellow jersey on Stage 4 of Criterium du Dauphine
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By Tom Cantoni
Published 11/06/2025 at 20:56 GMT+1
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Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) has praised the "perfect plan" behind his Stage 4 victory at Criterium du Dauphine. A "supersonic ride" in the time trial saw him finish 21 seconds quicker than second-placed Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike). "I would have liked to have kept the jersey, but it’s against the best in the world," admitted Spain’s Ivan Romeo (Movistar).
‘Super proud’ Evenepoel credits ‘perfect plan’ after Stage 4 victory
Video credit: TNT Sports
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) stormed to a stunning time-trial victory on Stage 4 of the Criterium du Dauphine, seizing the yellow jersey as he moved into the overall lead and took control of the General Classification.
The Belgian, 25, delivered a "supersonic ride" to finish the 17.4km race in a time of 20'50", averaging 50kph from Charmes‑sur‑Rhone to Saint-Peray.
His time was 21 seconds quicker than second-placed Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and 49 seconds faster than Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates XRG), who finished fourth.
"I think the advantage I had was a lot of headwind in the valleys," Evenepoel said.
"I used that to really take the benefit of my position and then the climb I just went as fast as possible.
"We had a perfect plan for the pacing strategy. I’m very happy to have put over one second a kilometre on everybody, and for some more than two.
"I’m super proud and happy with the feeling I have now. I’m feeling pretty good and it’s always nice to bring home a world tour victory."
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‘That was special’ – Evenepoel delivers ‘supersonic ride’ to win Stage 4
Video credit: TNT Sports
Evenepoel, the current Olympic and world time-trial champion, sent a strong message to his rivals ahead of this July’s Tour de France.
The resounding victory on Stage 4 propelled him from 13th to top in the General Classification, earning him the yellow jersey at the Criterium du Dauphine.
"In terms of weight, I’m already pretty good ," he added. "Much better than I was last year at this point, so I’m just happy that I’ve been working super hard behind the scenes.
"I’m feeling good on the climbs, on the flats and on the descents as well, so it’s a good step forward to what we have to expect for the next days.
"We just have to keep building and take it day by day. For sure there will be a lot of pressure in the weekend from other teams, but with the victory I’m confident I can do well."
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Despite not claiming the top spot, it was a positive day for Visma-Lease a Bike, with Vingegaard taking second ahead of team-mate Matteo Jorgenson.
Vingegaard, who also gained time on his other rivals, appeared relaxed despite losing ground on Evenepoel.
"I can be pretty satisfied with how today went," he said. "Remco is the best time trialler in the world, so to only lose 20 seconds is pretty decent.
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‘I can be happy with my performance’ – Vingegaard ‘satisfied’ with Stage 4 outcome
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Then also taking time on Tadej… in the end I think I can be pretty happy with my performance.
"I also have some time to make up and we’ve seen in the last years that in the mountains you can make up a lot of time. It will be interesting, the upcoming four days."
Evenepoel ‘best in the world’ - Romeo
Spain’s Ivan Romeo (Movistar) loses the yellow jersey after his heroics during the 207.2km covered on Tuesday’s Stage 3.
His dash to the finish line in Charantonnay was his first ever UCI World Tour victory and just his second senior professional win.
The 21-year-old was no match for Evenepoel during Wednesday's time trial though, finishing in 15th, nearly a minute-and-a-half behind the leader.
"I would have liked to have kept the jersey, but it’s against the best in the world," he said.
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Romeo ‘proud’ despite losing yellow jersey to ‘best in the world’ Evenepoel on Stage 4
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I’m really proud of what I did yesterday and did my best today. [It was] a good TT from my standards, so I’ve got to just keep improving.
"I’m never going to be happy when I lose, but I have to be proud of what I did yesterday and how I rode today."
Stage 5 gets underway on Thursday, with the riders racing a hilly challenge over 183km from Saint Priest to Macon.
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Highlights: Evenepoel takes overall lead after storming victory on Stage 4
Video credit: TNT Sports
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