"I won't be able to race again until early April" - Remco Evenepoel doubts possibility of Giro d'Italia challenge in 2025

After a horror crash in training earlier this week, Remco Evenepoel's plans for the 2025 season have been thrown into disarray. It seems there is even some uncertainty within the Soudal - Quick-Step camp about what the Belgian could target in the coming year.

Previously, Soudal - Quick-Step team boss Patrick Lefevere, who recently announced he is stepping down from his role, DH Net, that the Giro d'Italia wasn't ruled out for Evenepoel despite the fact the Belgian faces up to eight weeks off bike following his collision with a BPost van. "The Giro? Nothing had been decided on that," Lefevere evaluated, refusing to rule it out despite the seriousness of his team leader's off-season injuries. "The only certainty (in Evenepoel's 2025 programme ed.) was the Tour de France."

Speaking publicly about his condition and his plans post-crash though, Evenepoel has cast doubt on the possibility of a return to his unfinished business at the Giro d'Italia, a race in which he has DNF'd on both his previous appearance including in 2023 when a positive Covid test forced him out whilst wearing the Maglia Rosa. “This month it is important that I do nothing, try to move as little as possible so that the ligaments can heal. After that I hope to be able to train on the roller. In February I may be able to cycle outside again," he explains to the Studio Brussel radio show. "If I'm allowed to cycle outside again in February, I won't be able to race again until early April. The Giro will come a bit early, but it's always possible. We'll see."

As for how he's doing personally after the crash, Evenepoel admits he does still have pain. Understandable following the broken bones, dislocated collarbone and other injuries suffered. “The painkillers are doing their job. I can’t complain, but I try to take it day by day," he assesses. "I still wake up at night with quite a bit of pain, but I try to keep myself busy. For example, by reading some books. It’s a difficult period, with all the teams that are currently on team training camp.”