Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel delivered a commanding performance in Tuesday's 26.1km individual time-trial at the Tour de France, slicing 28 seconds off Tadej Pogacar's overall lead. The victory carried extra significance as it fell on Belgium's national holiday, with Evenepoel's family present to witness the triumph. Main Developments Evenepoel completed the course along Lake Geneva in Thonon Bains with a time 28 seconds faster than reigning champion Pogacar, who finished second. Dane Mattias Skjelmose took third, 1 minute and 4 seconds behind the winner. The performance cut Pogacar's overall lead to 4 minutes and 32 seconds. This marked Evenepoel's second consecutive stage victory after winning Sunday's mountainous 15th stage. It was his fourth Tour stage win overall and his third in time-trials. The Belgian also extended his lead over third-placed Isaac del Toro to more than two minutes. Read also: Why Argentina's World Cup campaign was about more than just football The day was marred by a crash involving Evenepoel's Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe teammate Florian Lipowitz, who fell hard on a bend and was forced out of the race. Lipowitz had been fifth overall and was on pace for a strong finish, setting the fourth fastest time at the three intermediate checks before his crash. Both Pogacar and Del Toro navigated the same bend safely, staying upright despite the scare. Evenepoel expressed mixed emotions about the victory, saying, 'It's like a bittersweet pill to swallow with this victory, so I wish him all the best and I hope it's not too bad.' Background Evenepoel entered the Tour as the world and Olympic time-trial champion, adding to his reputation as a specialist against the clock. The 26-year-old Belgian had already won stages in previous editions, including time-trials, but this victory came two days after two-time former winner Jonas Vingegaard crashed out while sitting second overall. Belgium's national holiday has historically seen few Tour stage wins, with Evenepoel noting, 'I read this morning it's been a while since Belgium won on National Day, so I'm proud to be the one.' His family traveled to the race to witness the milestone. Why It Matters Evenepoel's time-trial dominance reshapes the general classification, cutting Pogacar's lead and signaling a potential threat to the four-time winner's title defense. With the race entering its final stages, the gap reduction could set up a dramatic finale in the mountains. The crash of Lipowitz also weakens Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe's team strength, affecting their strategic options for the remaining stages. What's Next The Tour continues with stages that could further challenge the standings, including mountain routes where Pogacar historically excels. Evenepoel will need to defend his position against Pogacar's climbing prowess. Lipowitz's injury status will be assessed, with the team likely adjusting its plans for the remainder of the race.