Remco Evenepoel lives up to his status at Belgian Time Trial Championships in Brasschaat

The organizers had mapped out a course of just over 20 kilometers for the women in Brasschaat, which was perfect for the pure time trialists. In the elite category, the women were the first to start and complete one lap, followed by the men later in the afternoon, who had to complete two laps.

Esmée Gielkes (Lotto) was the first rider after two o'clock local time. Fifteen minutes later, it was Goossens' turn, who, on paper, was Kopecky's biggest challenger. The top favorite started her time trial just after her rival.

With the favorites on the road, it was Lore De Schepper (AG Insurance-Soudal) who briefly took the hot seat before Claes knocked her off. However, Kopecky had started very fast, significantly improving the intermediate times.

In the end, it would be seven in a row for Kopecky, who almost managed to catch Goossens just before the finish line. The AG Insurance-Soudal rider finished second, with Claes completing the podium. The difference would ultimately be huge: Kopecky was 59 seconds faster than Goossens, which is almost three seconds per kilometer.

After the elite women's time trial, it was time for the men's turn. Before the first rider started, several riders had already decided not to participate. Among them were Ilan van Wilder (Soudal Quick-Step) and Rune Herregodts (UAE Emirates-XRG). These were two men who could certainly have aimed for a place on the podium. Without Tim Wellens (UAE Emirates-XRG), Wout van Aert, Victor Campenaerts (both Visma | Lease a Bike), and Yves Lampaert (Soudal Quick-Step), it was anyone's guess who could challenge Evenepoel.

Shortly after three o'clock local time, Michiel Hillen (Baloise Glowi Lions) kicked off the event for the men. The first real podium contender was Florian Vermeersch. The Belgian from UAE Emirates-XRG got off to a fast start, then slipped, but still powered his way to the hot seat. He took his place there in just under 46 minutes.

Steff Cras (TotalEnergies) started the second wave of riders, followed by Segaert and, finally, Evenepoel. The latter was well on his way to fulfilling his role as favorite, as the world champion was half a minute faster than the competition at the first intermediate point. At the second checkpoint, the gap had grown to 51 seconds, allowing Evenepoel to slow a little with Sunday's race in mind. Segaert, despite a near collision, and Vermeersch, despite sliding, joined him on the podium.