The red jersey wearer Remco Evenepoel (QST) took best time in the individual time trial on Stage 10 of La Vuelta 2022. Commentator Chirstian Vande Velde called it “one of the fastest time trials we’ve ever seen” for the distance.

It was a day that 4x-La Vuelta winner Primoz Roglic (JV) was hoping to excel and pull back time on the young Belgian. Roglic excelled, indeed, and still came in second place by 48 seconds. 48 seconds. If this result is an accurate indication of his form, Remco Evenepoel looks nigh unbeatable halfway through La Vuelta.

Roglic must console himself with having leapfrogged other GC rival Enric Mas (Movistar) in the overall standings. The green jersey sticks with Mads Pedersen (TSF).

After a rest/travel day the riders will be spared mountains for a couple of stages. Stage 10 was the individual time trial, an opportunity for the elite riders to further separate themselves from the pack. The 30.9km course is too short to make up for any errors, but long enough to sort the wheat from the chaff. Joao Almeida had a heartbreaking day. He rode a strong trial and miffed a turn at the end, costing himself tens of seconds.

American Lawson Craddock (BEX) rode a powerful time trial, finishing 6th on the stage with a time of 34’55’’.

Notable exits: a lot. Covid-19 is to blame for the worst of it, including the green jersey contender Sam Bennett (BOH). Bora-Hansgrohe has lost its sprinter and all hope for the points classification. We also say adios to Stage 7 winner Jesus Herrada (Cofidis).