Giro-Tour double? Remco Evenepoel teases what may be his schedule for 2024

"Allez, c'est parti!" Remco Evenepoel wrote in a Strava activity. Alongside it he wrote that he is in route for the Grand Boucle with the flags of Italy and France. We may see the Belgian at the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France.

Evenepoel's plan was to race the Tour de France and aim for the overall classification in 2024, after doing the same at the Vuelta a Espana and Giro d'Italia - whilst giving the team time to build a strong block around him. The time has come, decisions have to be made, and the time-trial World champion is likely to do the Giro-Tour double.

The change comes from the Tour's route being quite difficult, a very mountainous route that also features a gravel stage which Evenepoel was not pleased about. Patrick Lefevere has also argued that it will be very difficult for him to take the overall win. Within Soudal - Quick-Step there was clearly a lack of big confidence regarding his chances. However the Giro d'Italia route features quite a lot of time-trialing and is well suited to his abilities.

The deciding factor is certainly the fact that Evenepoel had to withdraw from the Corsa Rosa this year, due to a Covid-19 infection whilst he led the race. Not having had the chance, and then suffering a bad day that derailed his ambitions at the Vuelta a Espana, Evenepoel still has unfinished business with the Giro. It then become more likely that he will aim for the pink jersey in Italy with a climbing block whilst chasing stage wins at the Tour de France and allow the team more freedom.