Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) gave himself a huge morale boost with a resounding victory on stage three of the Volta a Catalunya.
The reigning World Champion moved level on time with Primož Roglič (Jumbo-Visma). However, Roglič holds a slender advantage in the overall standings due to bonus seconds accrued.
Evenepoel launched a big attack with four kilometres left on the final climb of La Molina. Only the Jumbo-Visma man was able to follow him. All of the signs pointed towards another victory for the Slovenian, but Evenepoel had other ideas.
As the duo powered towards the finish, Roglič refused to work, saving himself for a final trademark turbo-charged sprint to the line.
On a final steep hairpin bend as the road kicked up, Evenepoel landed a knockout punch, powering away with a vicious acceleration to take a huge victory.
It was a big statement of intent from Evenepoel as the world champion builds for the Giro d'Italia in May.
Yesterday's winner Giulio Ciccone came home in third, with Mikel Landa (Bahrain Victorious) and Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates) rounding out the top five.
