Could Remco Evenepoel be suspended for Tour de France? - Skipping Belgium National Championships comes with penalty in "no exceptions" warning

Remco Evenepoel faces quite the dilemma this week as he seeks to arrive at the Tour de France with a training-only preparation. The Belgian's behind-closed-doors build-up could be interrupted as he may be required to ride the National Championships or face a costly penalty.

The 26-year-old hasn't raced since his podium at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and has publicly opted for a training-first preparation for the Tour de France. Set to be leader of Red Bull - BORA Hansgrohe alongside Florian Lipowitz, Evenepoel had planned not to pin a number before the July 4th opening stage - but that may not end up being the reality.

The Belgium National Championships take place this week, capping off with a largely flat road race on Sunday. Usually a parcours that doesn't suit his abilities, Evenepoel doesn't seem to have the race on his programme. However, Belgian Cycling is one of the few federations that demands participation in the road race.

In short, all professional cyclists from the country are mandated to start. The federation's regulations stipulate that a nine-day suspension will be given for not doing so - meaning he would be banned during the opening weekend of the Tour de France, ruling him out of the race entirely.

“No, there are no exceptions. The Belgian Road Championship is mandatory for every professional cyclist, regardless of profile or status,” Belgian Cycling’s Director of Sport, Massimo Van Lancker, told Wielerflits.

While there are no exceptions by way of status, medical and logistical factors are considered: “Every rider has received an email containing all the information. The regulations are stated in that email. It is up to every rider to know and respect those regulations. If they are unable to attend, they must take the necessary steps.

"If you have a doctor's certificate, your absence is legitimate and the sanction is waived. If you do not have a certificate or a valid reason, your absence is unlawful and Belgian Cycling will take measures.”

Some riders have seemingly bent the rules in recent years, including complaints of sore knees and sore throats to withdraw from the race before some have gone on to star in the Tour de France - traditionally kicking off just a week later.

Van Lancker added that the rule will remain to continue to promote Belgian cycling: "We are making investments to bring the race up to the level of the other top Belgian races. It is also important for the promotion of Belgian cycling that the best riders start. That is why we are not going to change that regulation anytime soon."

UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider Tim Wellens had also planned not to participate in the 2026 Championships. However, it was reported that the veteran will now ride the race as a result of the mandate.