"If I can keep building like this, I’ll start the Tour de France stronger than I did last year" - Remco Evenepoel 'performing at a higher level than expected' since return

Remco Evenepoel goes in search of the 3rd Monument win of his career this Sunday at Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Although he has just three race days in his legs in 2025, the Soudal - Quick-Step leader's confidence is sky high as he looks to take the fight to world champion Tadej Pogacar.

“I’ve been surprised by the numbers I’ve been putting out and the level I’ve reached in the past few races,” admits the Olympic champion in conversation with Het Nieuwsblad, more than content with his performance levels since returning to racing at Brabantse Pijl, following four months out after a training crash in early December. “Two months ago, it was hard to predict how I’d be feeling now — but yes, I’m clearly performing at a higher level than I expected. I didn’t see this coming.”

After winning at Brabantse Pijl and podiuming at the Amstel Gold Race, there was a slight blow to Evenepoel's momentum with a disappointing showing at La Fleche Wallonne in midweek, but the Belgian isn't getting too downhearted by the 9th placed finish. “I can feel that I’m still improving," he explains. "La Flèche Wallonne was actually my best day of the three races, but the cold really held me back. It gave a false impression. But the way I felt that day gives me confidence for what’s ahead.”

And what's immediately ahead is the aforementioned Liege-Bastogne-Liege - a race Evenepoel has won on both his previous trips to the startline in 2022 and 2023. “But that doesn’t add any extra pressure,” he says. “It’s easier to lose a 100% record than to keep one going. The fact that I’ve always won here doesn’t change how I’ll approach the race.”

The threat of Pogacar is probably the most likely danger to that 100% record Evenepoel can boast in Liege, but the Olympic champion is keen to stress he won't just be watching the Slovenian. “Look at the Amstel Gold Race. Everyone expected either Tadej or me to win, but then the third guy — Mattias Skjelmose — ran off with it," he counters. "The same could happen on Sunday.”

Although Evenepoel is confident this race and especially La Redoute is perfectly suited to his skills. “It’s an all-out effort for four minutes. If you’re still feeling strong, you can keep pushing, but if you’re tired, it feels like it lasts four hours. And with the updated course that follows La Redoute, it’s really tough to come back once you’re dropped,” he previews. “I’ve been training in the Ardennes since I was 17. I could ride the final with my eyes closed — that gives me extra confidence. I know the descents, I can pace myself better on the climbs. And there’s so much support along the way, more than anywhere else. That really helps.”

This isn't likely to be the last time Pogacar and Evenepoel lock horns in 2025 either. Later this summer, the pair are expected to be two of the most prominent challengers for the Maillot Jaune at the 2025 Tour de France. “That’s still a long way off. There’s a lot of work to be done. I don’t feel at my absolute best yet, but this comeback is already better than the one I had last year at the Dauphiné," Evenepoel concludes with optimism. "If I can keep building like this, it makes sense that I’ll start the Tour stronger than I did last year.”