Remco Evenpoel is feeling the breath of Taddei Pogachar (UAE Team Emirates) in the overall class of the Tirreno Adriatico. But in another sign of his newfound maturity and more controlled racing style, the Quick Step-Alfa Vinyl rider brushed off Pogachar's attack and three-second time improvement in stage 3 as nothing to worry about.

He is probably aware that he is no match for Pogachar in the decisive Tirreno-Adriatico stage and is not interested in an ego or pride clash.

"It was never my goal to make him spend energy. He is smart and professional enough to know what he needs to do.

"When the UAE started to speed up, I knew he was going for it again. I was just a little surprised that he kept attacking to the goal. But when there are four guys in front of you and the group is still super fresh on the flat 15km from the finish, it's pretty hard to pull away. Once we finished the downhill, the gap closed almost immediately."

Evenpoel, who returned from injury last spring and experienced disappointment in the 2021 Giro d'Italia when he stalled on a gravel stage where he and Egan Bernal fought for every second, has clearly matured. He is no longer interested in such a contest.

"It was the same in the Giro last year. I'm not saying I'm sorry, but I'm not going to fight for every second. That's what the team told me," explained Evenpoel.

"Like I said yesterday and this morning, six seconds is not a lot, not even three seconds. I think he used a little bit of energy in that attack, but I don't think so. I'm just relying on myself and my legs."

Evenepoel leads Pogachar overall and is in prime position to lead the race on Thursday's uphill finish to Belante if Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) falters. If Filippo Ganna (Ineos Grenadiers) stalls, he will be in prime position to lead the race at Thursday's finish in Belante. He will start this stage in the best young rider's white jersey to replace the blue leader's jersey, but will have to watch out for a re-attack by Pogachar.

The first time gaps could open up on the 4km climb to Bellante on Thursday and on the 12.6% muro on the way up to Fermo on Friday. Time gaps will also be created on Saturday's Monte Carpegna mountain stage.

"Tomorrow is a different stage, so it will be hard to drop him, but I don't want him to miss the energy he used today tomorrow," Evenpoel sportingly said.

"But maybe I can get some seconds back at the finish. But I'm not thinking about that right now. The most important thing is to follow him, do my best, and if I have a chance, I will take it."