Evenepoel says Tour de France victory 'bittersweet' after teammate Lipowitz's race-ending crash

THONON-LES-BAINS, France — Belgium's Remco Evenepoel delivered a dominant performance in Tuesday's individual time trial to claim his second consecutive Tour de France stage victory, but celebrations for the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team were overshadowed by teammate Florian Lipowitz's race-ending crash.

"That's very unfortunate. It's like a bittersweet pill to swallow with this victory," Evenepoel said after winning Stage 16, adding to his triumph two days earlier at Plateau de Solaison.

The Belgian's impressive ride strengthened his hold on second place overall behind Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, with Evenepoel trailing the yellow jersey holder by four minutes and 32 seconds. He also extended his advantage over third-placed Isaac del Toro of Mexico, who rides for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, to two minutes and 19 seconds.

Despite his strong form, Evenepoel dismissed the idea that he could challenge Pogacar for the overall Tour de France title.

"Honestly, no," Evenepoel said when asked if he was targeting the race lead. "I'm just focused on my own spot. I mean, Tadej (Pogacar) is on his way to win a fifth Tour de France. It's just amazing that I can be a bit close to him."

Lipowitz's Tour campaign ended after he crashed while navigating a right-hand turn with more than six kilometers remaining in the stage. The German rider entered Stage 16 sitting fifth in the general classification.

"The feeling is a bit strange," Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe sports director Patxi Vila said. "On one side, you are happy because you won, on the other side, you are sad because Florian (Lipowitz) had that crash."

"He is on his way to the hospital. I hope he can come back healthy soon."

Race organizers confirmed that the 25-year-old rider suffered a right collarbone injury following the crash.

Evenepoel, who shared leadership responsibilities with Lipowitz during the race, said losing his teammate was a major blow to the team.

"He will be very missed in the team," Evenepoel said. "It's a big shame for us as a team to lose him because he was obviously doing a very good Tour de France. It's an extra-sad moment."

-Reporting by Vincent Daheron in Thonon-les-Bains; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters