“I'm afraid that his team will capsize” - Jan Bakelants doubts Evenepoel’s support ahead of the Tour de France

With just three days to go until the start of the 2025 Tour de France, Jan Bakelants has cast a sceptical eye over Remco Evenepoel’s chances, pointing in particular to the strength, or lack of it, within his Soudal – Quick-Step team.

Speaking to HLN, Bakelants made it clear he has reservations about whether Evenepoel’s teammates can provide the backing needed to seriously challenge for yellow. Over the weekend, Evenepoel finished second in the Belgian national road race behind Tim Wellens, who will be lining up in support of Tadej Pogacar as the Slovenian targets a fourth Tour title this July.

“Would Remco Evenepoel have been shocked during the Belgian Championship? Would he have been impressed by Tim Wellens? Honestly, I don't think so. I think Remco already knew what time it was during the Dauphiné: in the first mountain stage to Combloux he already felt what the team ratios were.”

Bakelants pointed to the huge difference in team dynamics on the climbs, “Evenepoel was all alone on the final climb, his teammates had all been dropped, while Wellens was still rolling out the red carpet for Pogacar. I think he already realized that Wellens might be in the best shape of his life.”

The Belgian analyst does see promise in Ilan Van Wilder but worries that it won’t be enough: “He himself does not have a teammate who can do that kind of work for him. I believe in Ilan Van Wilder, I think he can be very valuable in the coming weeks, but I fear for the team as a whole. I am looking forward to stage ten with great interest, and some fear, a stage with eight climbs through the middle mountains,” Bakelants refers to the stage to Puy de Sancy.

Looking ahead to how the race might unfold, Bakelants sees a scenario where Evenepoel could find himself isolated, “I assume that Remco will be wearing yellow after a tough time trial, but I'm afraid that his team will capsize there if UAE Emirates and Visma | Lease a Bike want to go to war.”