"I can only respect everything he does" - Remco Evenepoel praises Tadej Pogacar ahead of hotly anticipated battle at Liege-Bastogne-Liege

Prior to Sunday's hotly anticipated battle at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, defending champion Remco Evenepoel has praised his main rival for victory this year, the all-conquering Tadej Pogacar.

"Tadej is very impressive. He has been riding at the top level since Milan-Sanremo. We must not forget how difficult it is to recover from two tough races in one week. Tadej is a great champion and always performs," the Soudal - Quick-Step leader reveals in conversation with In de Leiderstrui. "He has already won the Tour de France twice. I can only respect everything he does and he is also a very sympathetic rider. That's why everyone really wants it for him."

Since his victory in Liege twelve months ago, Evenepoel has gone from strength to strength, claiming his first Grand Tour win at the Vuelta a Espana and claiming the World Championship road race win in Wollongong at the end of 2022. “I don't really look at other riders. We are confident in our own plan and the fact that we can win," previews the Belgian as he looks towards this year's race. "There are many strong riders present, but it is logical that Pogacar is the big favourite. Still, I know of myself that I'm in shape and I'm ready to take on the battle."

"We are here with the team for the Giro and in my opinion we have the strongest formation of all. All our riders could win, except maybe Pieter Serry," jokes the 23-year-old Evenepoel. "I am convinced that we will do well."