PARIS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- World time trial champion Remco Evenepoel produced a dominating and determined ride on treacherous roads to add an Olympic gold medal to his collection after powering to victory in the men's time trial in the Paris Olympic Games on Saturday.
The Belgian was ahead at every checkpoint along the 32.4-kilometer course, producing an average speed of over 53 km/h to finish in 36 minutes and 12 seconds.
Evenepoel's success came just six days after he had finished third overall in the Tour de France.
"I've had a blast after the finish of the Tour [de France], and now this one is amazing. I have so many feelings and emotions rushing through my body. It's I think one of the most beautiful moments in my life," said the Belgian rider, who had been pre-race favorite, adding it was a "relief" to win.
"I was quite tired the whole week after the Tour. And I was a bit doubting if my level was going to be good enough to perform today," explained Evenepoel, who added he had only started to "feel good again" on Friday.
"Seeing that my time was still in green was just a crazy feeling," he concluded.
Time trial specialist Filippo Ganna finished second in 36 minutes and 27 seconds.
"Obviously, you prefer to have the gold medal around your neck, but Remco is a super strong rider. He's one of the strongest riders in the history of cycling, so I have to be happy with the silver," said the Italian.
Wout van Aert made it two Belgians on the podium, taking bronze in 36 minutes and 37 seconds.
Van Aert set the pace for Evenepoel and Ganna, starting first in the group of pre-race favorites, and using a rarely seen set-up of front and back disc wheels, which give better aerodynamism, while hindering bike-handling.
On a day with little wind, but continued rain, which turned the course into an "ice rink", according to Canadian rider Derek Gee, it was a big risk, especially as the women's race had seen several bad falls in the conditions.
With Van Aert setting the pace, Ganna and Evenepoel had a target to aim for, and although Evenepoel always held an advantage, Ganna almost paid a heavy price when his bike skidded and wobbled but somehow stayed up, where others crashed out, such as Lucas Plapp of Australia and Denmark's Soeren Waerenskjold.
"I only use water to wash myself, shower and drink. I don't like it when the road is wet but I tried to do my best. I'm not a great rider in the rain, so that's it," commented Ganna.
Afghan rider Amir Ansari rode for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, producing the feel-good story of the day as he was the first starter in the race, and also the first finisher, fulfilling his ambition of not being overtaken on the course. ■
