"He's no Jan Ullrich who gained 20 kilos" - Remco Evenepoel debate raises questions about how he can raise his game in 2025
CyclingSunday, 26 January 2025 at 12:11
In the latest episode of the Eurosport podcast Kop over Kop,
commentators Jeroen Vanbelleghem, Jan Hermsen, and Bobbie Traksel shared their
thoughts on Remco Evenepoel. The double Olympic champion is currently
recovering from a crash involving a van in late 2024, raising questions about
his physical and mental toughness ahead of the 2025 season.
Hermsen expressed his concerns about the young Belgian star,
saying, "There is always cause for concern with Remco Evenepoel,
especially now that he is recovering from a crash. It worries me; he feels like
a son you must straighten out."
Hermsen also highlighted the pressure Evenepoel faces,
noting, "He shines more in front of the camera than on the bike. Of
course, he had a top season in 2024, but also from a disadvantage. Now he has
this disadvantage again. The pressure is enormous."
However, Traksel countered Hermsen’s view, believing that
Evenepoel’s discipline sets him apart from other riders who have struggled with
challenges in the past. "I don't have the feeling you have to straighten
out Remco. I feel he knows exactly what he wants and has a lot of discipline.
He's no Jan Ullrich who gained 20 kilos."
Despite this disagreement, Traksel acknowledged the
challenges ahead for Evenepoel. "I also have doubts after such a crash,
and you hear that it might be worse than the crash in the Basque Country in
terms of consequences. That could be a huge problem for his future. But if
anyone can deal with it, it's he, and he has that discipline."
Vanbelleghem, who occasionally stays in touch with
Evenepoel, provided further insight into the rider’s current state of mind. "I
have been in regular contact with Evenepoel in recent weeks. He pretends on
camera that it doesn't bother him much, but I can tell you that it affects him
more than we think regarding what is being written about him."
He added, "You can't imagine being super fit and
wanting to train for a goal but then having to sit still for a month. How bad
does that have to be? On that front, I share the opinion with Jan (Hermsen): if
he has to do this a couple more times, it will get extremely difficult. But for
now, I do not doubt all will work out."
Traksel also weighed in on the future of Evenepoel’s career,
speculating about whether this will be his final year with Soudal – Quick-Step.
"He might experience something new and exciting at Bora-Hansgrohe next
year, and we start again. I think Quick-Step will not have Remco after this
year."
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Latest comments
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I can imagine being super fit and having to wait a while, I broke my foot two weeks ago. It sucks, I hope Remco has another great year and can improve in the Tour. Even if he's still on the third step, maybe the gap won't be so wide.
I don’t think you’ll find ANY ageing cycling enthusiast who hasn’t gone through this kind of “torture” at least once. As long as it’s not permanent you get over it. Get better safely, I may miss this season but am pretty happy my torn meniscus has healed itself (not a given closing in on 60) well enough to contemplate more racing next year. 2025 will be about recovery and testing but with a new child and heavy renovations I’m looking at it as the luck hidden in bad luck :-)
So far in my life I've broken my left arm, my right arm, my left wrist, my left leg, three collar bones, broken my neck, broken my back, crushed my pelvis, lost a rib, hurt my left kidney and now I broken the same foot twice. Getting old sucks, I still think I'm twenty lol
That’s what counts, how you feel in your head. Enjoying parenthood far more this time around, not only feeling young but my life will help me stay that way, aches and pains are just annoying distractions ;-)
HaHa, yes I agree 100%. Wouldn't know what to do without my wife.
Wife/Life, same thing once you find the right person ;-)