Remco Evenepoel saved by 'bizarre' 3km rule after late puncture at La Vuelta – but was that right?
One question raged after Stage 16 at La Vuelta: did Remco Evenepoel really have a puncture? A crazy finale to what was dubbed a ‘flat’ stage by organisers saw Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl) pull up with a mechanical, just moments after red jersey rival Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) had dropped a sensational attack with 2.7km remaining. Ad Evenepoel cut a relaxed figure given he was inside the final 3km – the safety net to get the same time as the peloton in event of a fall, puncture or mechanical – while up the road, Roglic somehow contrived to crash just metres from the finish. as he squabbled for victory and bonus seconds.