Evans topped the overall classification by 57 seconds prior to the latest stage, but the BMC rider finished third in the 41.9kilometre time trial to drop down to second, 37 seconds adrift of rival Rigoberto Uran (Omega Pharma-Quick Step), who became the first Colombian to wear the maglia rosa.
Despite losing the pink jersey on stage 12 from Barbaresco to Barolo, the 2010 champion is confident of regaining the lead with nine days of competition remaining in the Grand Tour event.
“Everything went well in this Giro until yesterday but I went a bit slow today,” the 37-year-old said.
“If we look at the time difference between the top two, three or four, the times are quite close but he (Uran) was in a class of his own today.
“We were all close but he started strong and went even faster. He was suited to the course and had a good day. I expected him to do well and I hoped to have gone better.
“I started steady and increased my speed but the road was very slippery and so I went slow on the descent and on the second climb to stay safe. But then it was the same conditions for everyone.”
Evans added: “My position is good tactically. It is going to be interesting.”
“I think we’ll see a new team with the responsibility to control the race.
“There’s still a lot of Giro yet to be raced and the results of (Domenico) Pozzovivo showed that he’s still in the game too. Let’s look to the future. This Giro is still very long.”
Stage 13 will see riders make the 157km trek from Fossano to Rivarolo Canavese on Friday.
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