Greg Van Avermaert recommends for Remco Evenepoel to "adapt and reinvent yourself" following Liege fiasco

Remco Evenepoel’s third place at Liège–Bastogne–Liège 2026 has not silenced critical analysis after one of the Ardennes’ marquee races. The Belgian, clearly outpaced by Tadej Pogacar and Paul Seixas, left mixed impressions despite stepping onto the podium.

Among the most prominent voices is Greg Van Avermaet, who did not hide his disappointment with his compatriot’s performance in a race where he has previously shown his full potential.

The former Belgian rider was blunt in his assessment, pointing to a lack of evolution in this type of race. "To be honest, I’m a bit disappointed with Remco," he said on Het Laatste Nieuws’s podcast. "He hasn’t progressed in the Ardennes classics as we expected."

Van Avermaet also recalled that the rider had already been able to win this very race with authority in past editions. "We’ve seen him win Liège–Bastogne–Liège in different ways. It was impressive, but this year he didn’t manage it. I think he’s disappointed too."

Despite that critical view, the Olympic champion nuanced his stance when assessing the Belgian’s spring as a whole. Evenepoel delivered strong results at several key events, including victory at the Amstel Gold Race and two high‑level podiums.

"In the end, he got the most out of his spring campaign. While his level was slightly down, he stood on the podium twice (at the Tour of Flanders and Liège) and won the Amstel Gold Race. You could call it a good return, but knowing Remco, he wants to be the best."

Van Avermaet also allowed for other readings, noting that the competitive context may have shifted in the WorldTour peloton. "Now he’ll recharge. Of course we don’t know his exact numbers. Maybe the others have improved a lot. As a champion, the key now is to adapt and reinvent yourself."

In that process, the ex‑pro pointed directly to the rider’s environment and the challenges ahead within his own formation. "Without a doubt, they’ll face a major challenge at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe."

With eyes on the next objectives, debate over Evenepoel’s level remains open after a spring strong in results but, for some, short of the expectations he set.