“Final podium is not unrealistic” for Remco Evenepoel's Tour de France debut according to Jan Bakelants

In a few weeks, Remco Evenepoel will finally make his much anticipated Tour de France debut. What are realistic expectations for the Soudal - Quick-Step leader though? This question has seemingly split the cycling community.

There are those who believe Evenepoel is as good a shout as anyone to challenge Tadej Pogacar at the upcoming Grand Tour. There are also those who are just as confident in their predictions that Evenepoel is simply not a general classification challenger on the level of the likes of the aforementioned Pogacar, Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard. For ex-pro turned expert analyst Jan Bakelants however, the podium is a very realistic target for the time-trial world champion to work towards.

"The Dauphiné by no means gave cause for euphoria - although, in time trial that would be justified - but on the other hand, panic is also totally unnecessary. Three more weeks separate us from the 'Grand Départ' in Florence. That is quite a long period in which a lot can still change," Bakelants, a former Tour de France stage winner in his own right, says in conversation with HLN. "Not least in casu-Evenepoel. It is purely about points and commas. About some sharp edges that need to be filed off. I can really see him doing that. With a healthy sobriety, from a kind of underdog position, he will start his first Tour de France. For him, that's not a bad starting point."

"The atypical Tour start should suit Remco enormously, by the way. With stages that offer offensive and aggressive racing types like him a kind of guerrilla terrain and create opportunities for success. And which do not require a featherweight like the high mountains in the final week," the 38-year-old Belgian continues. "On the other hand, such a Tour also hides many stages that on paper don't have much impact on the GC but suddenly turn out to have one in reality. Of the classic genre. And let Evenepoel be one of the best riders in the world in that respect."

"Of course he should go for the best possible final ranking in the Tour and not merely limit himself to the pursuit of stage wins cum several days of yellow jersey. Although he has always set that as a condition for his debut," concludes Bakelants, referring to Evenepoel's stage hunting back up plan used to good effect at the 2023 Vuelta a Espana. "Remco likes to win, victories motivate him. And if he succeeds, it can take the pressure off early on."