For the Quick-Step, the Vuelta could have turned into a nightmare. Thursday, twenty-four hours after Julian Alaphilippe’s fall, victim of a dislocation of his right shoulder, Remco Evenepoel was not far from experiencing the same fate. Forty-five terminals from the finish, the leader of the Tour of Spain went to the ground at the exit of a bend. Shorts torn, hit in the right hip and elbow, the young Belgian (22) got up without the slightest gesture of panic before changing bikes and joining the peloton a few minutes later, perfectly supported by his teammates. “Falls are part of cycling,” he explained calmly at the end of the stage. In the south of Spain, the roads are often greasy and every turn can be dangerous. It’s more or less the same fall as Julian: the front wheel came off and I lost control of the bike. I preferred to remain calm, not to panic. When that happens, it’s the best thing to do. I knew my teammates were there waiting for me. Now I’m going to fix it. I will not stress myself out and stay focused on the next steps. On Thursday, Evenepoel easily consolidated his first place overall. However, the Movistar, Jumbo-Visma and Ineos Grenadiers tried to harden the race on the final climb to Penas Blancas. In vain. The Belgian prodigy is unfazed.