Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert have proven their “hors catégorie” status as time triallists at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, earning Belgium its first two medals.
Two proud and broadly smiling Belgians stood on the podium after a wet and fast time trial, and they deserve it! Wout was the first Belgian to roll off onto the course and delivered his most impressive performance this season, completing the 32.4 kilometres in 36:37:79. An incredible effort by the 29-year-old sensation from Herentals through which he ended up in the hot seat.
First place was destined for another Belgian sensation, however. Let’s respectfully skip the cyclist who took a very impressive silver medal and go to the last young man to roll off the podium, the 24-year-old Aero Bullet that is Remco Evenepoel. Only two time trial specialists were clocked as potentially keeping Remco from gold, but the Little Cannibal rode a better race than both of them. The finale was a nail biter but Remco managed to put more than 25 seconds into his compatriot, and 15 into Italian Filippo Ganna.
Two Belgians competed in the individual time trial, and two Belgians took home the first medals for their country at the Paris Olympics.
Congratulations, Remco and Wout! We have never been more proud of you!
