“He was probably already carrying it” – More information explains Evenepoel’s nightmare in the Pyrenees

Soudal – Quick-Step left the 2025 Tour de France with a mixed bag of glory and disappointment. Remco Evenepoel started strong with a stage 5 win and briefly held third overall, only to abandon in the Pyrenees after a crash aggravated a rib fracture. Tim Merlier sprinted to two victories, including head-to-head wins over green jersey winner Jonathan Milan. And Valentin Paret-Peintre gave French fans a rare celebration on Mont Ventoux, salvaging national pride in the mountains.

Team CEO Jurgen Foré called the Tour a success, despite Evenepoel’s early exit. "After his crash at the Belgian Championships, Remco's symptoms weren't that severe. It wasn't until further examination after his new crash on the third day of the Tour that a small fracture in one of his ribs was discovered. Fortunately, it hadn't displaced, so taping provided relief and we were able to continue treating it."

The team had deliberately kept the injury quiet, to avoid rivals from taking advantage of him. "Of course, we didn't go around saying it, so as not to give the competition any ideas,” Foré said. “It certainly wasn't a gift, something like that is frustrating. But I don't think we should see it as the main reason for his withdrawal."

Foré also confirmed there were no signs of illness at the start. "Until the day he dropped out of the race, his blood sugar levels were perfectly normal and at the same level as last year – Remco has never started a stage sick. But that changed in the days that followed. So he was probably already carrying it."

Despite the disappointment, Foré remains proud of the team's performance. "Absolutely. We're living a bit of a dream. Four stage wins in a Grand Tour: that's the exception rather than the rule. There are fourteen teams that haven't won anything in this Tour. That's the story, isn't it?"