Last week at this time, in Evenepoel's head the idea of attack on the Redoute had probably already taken shapeFriday's reconnaissance and the previous races had confirmed his excellent condition. And even if the designated captain would have been Alaphilippe, the Belgian team knew that the boy would not go unnoticed. Bramati tells (the opening photo is taken from Facebook Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl/Getty Images). The hours remaining before the departure for the Line of Business there are many things to do, including moving, but all in all the Bergamo area he gladly sits back in memory of last Sunday's Liège.
«Already from the Basques – he says – It was seen that Remco was in good condition, even though he had gone to work for JulianSecond in the time trial, third on day five behind Martinez and Rodriguez. He had shown he was in good shape at the Brabant Arrow, and at the Fleche Wallonne he did his part for Alaphilippe. We've seen a few editions of Liège, we know how things can go. We raced like when Jungels won, even if the ending was differentWe knew they could reorganize behind the scenes, but they didn't…".
The Quick Step on the Redoute, just below Evenepoel's attack point (Facebook photo) The reconnaissance began shortly before the point where Alaphilippe would fall during the race (Facebook photo) A very peaceful eve for Evenepoel, almost unnoticed at the team presentations
The Quick Step on the Redoute, just below Evenepoel's attack point (Facebook photo) The reconnaissance began shortly before the point where Alaphilippe would fall during the race (Facebook photo) A very peaceful eve for Evenepoel, almost unnoticed at the team presentations
The fall of Alaphilippe
The day in Liège seemed perfect for the world champion to win. Alaphilippe and his rainbow jersey split the group with the predestination of better days in his gaze.. For this reason, when the group crumpled up on itself in the connecting section between the Cote de Haute Levée and the Rosier, it took a while to convince ourselves that with his back against the tree, at the bottom of the slope, if it was really him.
«It is not yet clear what happened – continues Bramati – but These are certainly not good times, because the race must go onThe minutes after the fall were traumatic, but certain things are part of our job, so when we saw that Julian was with the doctors we left. The incredible thing, the joke is that On Friday we left from there with the reconnaissance, in the area after Stockeu and Haute Levée where the traffic islands begin and where there is always a bit of nervousness…».
Before the start of the Liège, the greeting between Alaphilippe and his teammate Marion Rousse In the race, a heated exchange between Remco and Julian, ready to share the responsibility
Before the start of the Liège, the greeting between Alaphilippe and his teammate Marion Rousse In the race, a heated exchange between Remco and Julian, ready to share the responsibility
Flour from his own sack
With no more Alaphilippe to watch, la Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl he reset the tacticsLanda's attacks, though violent, would have gone nowhere, given the group's speed. The Belgian squadron had also considered sending some of its men away to pre-empt La Redoute, but they were going too fast.
"Even though they were wide on the road," Bramati said, "they were very fast. Mauri Vansevenant did a great job keeping Remco ahead, and then Vervacke led him to catch Redoute in the top ten. They were very good, even though there were only three of them left.But I think that when he left, Remco improvised. We thought the right-hand bend at the top of the Redoute was the right place., at the end of the straight after the summit. That attack was his doing."
A long time trial
Joking, but not too much, In the press conference we told Remco that we thought we saw the same ease in him as when he attacked and won among the juniors..
«We have seen it in recent years – continues Bramati's analysis – that he has great ability to go fast in the time trialAfter the Roche aux Faucons, there was a headwind, but he crested the hill well and continued to gain ground. We knew that whoever had the energy to make the move there would be well-placed. And Remco settled into his rhythm. He recovered Armirail and didn't ask him for a single changeThey accuse us of not letting breakaways go anymore. I believe it… Just look at the Groupama rider! We practically caught him on the Roche aux Faucons. You can't take escapes lightly, because you never know who you'll leave in front of you.. That's why Remco went straight ahead and did a number, with the teams working behind him."
Having caught Armirail, Evenepoel continued straight on, without asking for a single change. The attack on the Redoute in Evenepoel surprised everyone due to the violence of the attack. Here's the Specialized Tarmac Evenepoel rode to win the 2022 Liège (photo by Wout Beel)
Having caught Armirail, Evenepoel continued straight on, without asking for a single change. The attack on the Redoute in Evenepoel surprised everyone due to the violence of the attack. Here's the Specialized Tarmac Evenepoel rode to win the 2022 Liège (photo by Wout Beel)
A new beginning
Evenepoel alone in the lead, 29 kilometers to go. Frank Vandebroucke also won his 1999 Liège by attacking from afar, but was caught and then found the strength to break away again.Evenepoel did not reply.
«He was good – says Bramati – after the Roche he climbed well. He kept his pace, while behind the team car encouraged him, because everyone likes to be motivated.I think he did a number that will be talked about for a long time. He hasn't been a professional for four years and has already won 26 races, now also a MonumentThere had been some controversy about having brought him to the Giro last year after 10 months of not running, but it was not an easy situation. He calmly returned to his former self and he is one of those who runs to inspire.Winning the Liège at 22 years old after that accident suggests that Julian, once he has recovered, will return to racing with even greater determination. But now it is important that Remco stays calm.In the evening we had dinner together and made a toast. We all hope that this Liège is a start, something that gets him pumped up. I challenge anyone not to feel pumped up after 29 kilometers like that…».
