Evenepoel takes UAE Tour lead with time-trial win
The Olympic time-trial and road race champion finished the 12km course six seconds quicker than British rider Josh Tarling, with Frenchman Remi Cavagna in third.
Evenepoel has been in fine form this year, also winning the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana stage race earlier this month.
"My fastest ever individual time-trial! The course was pretty flat and not very technical so it was perfect for being quick," Evenepoel said after his 13min 03sec run.
The 26-year-old took the race lead in Abu Dhabi from Mexican youngster Isaac Del Toro, widely seen as his main rival this week after the withdrawal of Jonas Vingegaard.
Del Toro was 27th quickest in the time-trial, 42 seconds slower than Evenepoel.
"From now, the GC (general classification) battle will be open," Evenepoel said.
"With the very hard climb there's to come, it's more comfortable to defend the lead than have to attack. It's the perfect situation for us."
Wednesday's third stage is a 183km ride to Jebel Mobrah.