Remco Evenepoel's 'great champion' dream at risk from crashes – Jonathan Vaughters on Giro d'Italia mayhem

Remco Evenepoel's dream of becoming a «great champion» is at risk if he fails to navigate difficult days in the saddle, suggests EF Education–EasyPost boss Jonathan Vaughters. A hellish day at the Giro d'Italia on Wednesday saw Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) crash twice, first when a dog ran into the peloton then again after the 3km safety net when trying to move out the way for the sprinters.

Ad Team doctor Toon Cruyt said Evenepoel was in a “lot of pain” following his crashes and faced a «difficult day» on Thursday’s run around Naples. Giro d'ItaliaHow to watch Stage 6 of Giro d'Italia as Evenepoel faces 'difficult day'16 HOURS AGO Some riders vented their frustration at the slippery conditions, with Vaughters – who joined The Breakaway gang on Thursday – saying the roads were “like riding on soap”.

However, the American said there were valid arguments from both sides as to whether the race should have been neutralised. “You’ve got riders who are upset about the conditions, you’ve got riders who are upset about the crashes, they say the course was unsafe…” he told Eurosport.

“And then on the other side you’ve got the old school thought that comes to my head: ‘well, if you’re going to win a Grand Tour, or if you’re going to be a great champion in the world of cycling, you have to know how to navigate a day like yesterday without getting hurt and without losing time. “And I would put a premium on ‘without getting hurt’.

If we look at Remco Evenepoel, he didn’t lose any time. But we’re not going to know exactly how hurt he was until a few days from now." Giro d'Italia Stage 6 LIVE — Evenepoel bouncing back after crashes, Cavendish in hunt 'Rode it to the ground' – Cavendish praised for bike skills despite big crash