“I feel a bit better already" - Remco Evenepoel on track for Tour de France despite considerable injuries sustained in Itzulia crash

In the immediate aftermath of the disastrous crash at the Itzulia Basque Country last month, there was some not-unsubstantiated fears that three-quarters of cycling's 'Big 4' had been wiped out of Tour de France contention.

Although defending Tour de France champion, Jonas Vingegaard looks set to miss out due to his injuries, Primoz Roglic recently revealed he still has intentions for the Maillot Jaune and now, Remco Evenepoel has confirmed he remains on track for this summer despite suffering a broken collarbone and broke shoulder blade in the crash.

“I feel a bit better already,” Evenepoel says in quotes collected by Het Nieuwsblad as the Belgian fulfills his task as an ambassador for Tous à Bord, an organisation that helps people with disabilities feel included in sports. “More than the sporting challenge, it is the spirit that is important to me. We are lucky that we can live a normal life. Unfortunately, that does not apply to everyone. It is up to us to take responsibility and give them a pat on the back to help them move forward.”

Evenepoel himself won't be able to join their 400km run from Brussels to Paris over five days later this summer though. “It's only a few weeks before the Tour de France, so it's far from ideal," the Soudal - Quick-Step leader explains. "But if another event is organized between October and December, I will do my best to attend.”