Remco Evenepoel sheds over two minutes to Egan Bernal on Giro d'Italia gravel stage
The Belgian struggled through the final 25km of stage 11 as Bernal extended his overall lead
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quick-Step) suffered a huge dent to his Giro d'Italia 2021 overall hopes as he lost over two minutes to race leader Egan Bernal (Ineos Grenadiers) on stage 11.
The 21-year-old didn't look comfortable on the gravel sectors in the final 70km of the 162km stage in Tuscany as Ineos Grenadiers drove the pace, and was eventually dropped from the pink jersey group on the final gravel sector with around 20km to go.
>>> Egan Bernal extends lead on the gravel roads of stage 11 at the Giro d'Italia 2021
Initially, his team-mate João Almeida didn't drop back from the GC group to help him, with Evenepoel visibly frustrated, pulling his race radio from his ear as he rode alone. Almeida eventually waited for his team leader with around 13km to go, but Evenepoel was already 45 seconds down on Bernal, who had been just 14 seconds ahead at the start of the day.
That gap continued to grow as Bernal pushed the pace towards the final climb of the day, with the pink jersey almost two minutes up the road as they took on the final climb, which topped out with around 4.5km to go.
Evenepoel looked to be struggling even more on the final ascent, briefly being dropped by his team-mate as they tried to limit the losses to Bernal, who launched an attack towards the top of the climb and rode to the finish alongside Emanuel Buchmann (Bora-Hansgrohe).
As Bernal extended his lead to the other contenders, Evenepoel eventually crossed the line 5-17 down on stage winner Mauro Schmid (Qhubeka-Assos), but more importantly, 2-08 down on Bernal. The Belgian now sits 2-22 down on the race lead, but remains in the top-10 overall in seventh place.
The Giro is Evenepoel's first Grand Tour of his short career, and his first race of 2021 having spent the year recovering from the injuries he suffered in a crash at the 2020 Il Lombardia. He limited his losses well in the first 10 days of the race before the rest day, losing just 14 seconds to Bernal, but will now face the challenge of recovering time in the mountains before the final time trial in Milan.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
The brass neck of it! Organisers draft in replacement after race lap bell stolen
Organisers of the Peaks 2-Day in Yorkshire call in reserves after thieves make off with the the well-travelled clanger
By James Shrubsall • Published
-
What is a tubeless tire? Everything you need to know about tubeless tech for road and gravel bikes
Thinking about 'going tubeless'? Here's a short guide to the tire and rim technology
By Luke Friend • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel ready for ‘perfect Giro simulation’ at Volta a Catalunya
World Champion gets set for showdown with Primož Roglič and Geraint Thomas in major Giro d’Italia test-run
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel obliterates Tenerife's Mount Teide Strava KOM
Reigning World Champion currently in altitude training before next week's Volta a Catalunya
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel buoyed by UAE Tour success as preparation for Giro d’Italia continues
Reigning World Champion says Giro preparation is on track as he prepares to head to altitude
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel edges closer to UAE Tour lead as Soudal Quick-Step win stage two team time trial
The Belgian team won by a single second, leaving Evenepoel tied on time at the top of the GC
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Riders praise race organisation at Etoile de Bessèges after heavy crashes on stage two
One incident left a rider hanging from a bridge in the aftermath
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
The best 2023 signings: Five WorldTour riders to keep an eye on in pastures new
We pick five riders who have moved teams that we’re expecting to shine this year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel to race Giro d'Italia in 2023
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl confirm that the world champion will ride the time trial heavy Grand Tour next year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
World champion Remco Evenepoel to kick off 2023 season in Argentina
The Belgian set to ride the Vuelta a San Juan, a race he has previously won, in January
By Tom Thewlis • Published