Opinion: The real test of Remco Evenepoel and Quick-Step's red jersey credentials at La Vuelta start this weekend

The sixth man to lead this year's La Vuelta did what none of his predecessors have managed and retained the red jersey on Friday – ensuring that the 77th edition will not become the first ever Grand Tour in history to produce seven different leaders from the first seven days. But speaking after a relatively easy day in the saddle, Remco Evenepoel seemingly made light of the challenges on the immediate horizon – skirting over the dual summit finishes in the Asturias this weekend to focus instead on Tuesday’s time trial, for which he will admittedly be the overwhelming favourite.

Ad “I have a nice advantage now,” the man in red said. “I will be happy to just keep my time gap ahead of the rest day but if there’s an opportunity, I will do my best.

It’s a three-week race and going into the time trial with an advantage would be better than going in behind.” Vuelta a EspañaEvenepoel is 'biggest talent in decades', claims Lloyd2 HOURS AGO Going in behind is not inconceivable – even for a man who looked so assured on the Pico Jano as he rode into red on Thursday. Emotional Herrada wins tense Stage 7 as Wright denied again ‘It was a perfect scenario’ – Evenepoel on ‘relaxing’ day Evenepoel is 'biggest talent in decades', claims Lloyd Make no mistake: Evenepoel is in the form of his life and showing the kind of maturity and measured conservatism needed to win a Grand Tour.

In a Vuelta severely lacking in so-called rampas inhumanas – the double-digit gradients that have become a trademark feature in recent years – any talk of the 22-year-old Belgian being unproven over three weeks goes out of the window, to an extent. To an extent, because riding 21 stages in a row is still something unprecedented for the Belgian – and easing the