"I'm just at the start to win the race" - Remco Evenepoel wants Belgian champion jersey at Tour de France

Soudal - Quick-Step have a very strong team at the Belgian national championships this weekend but they will have to work hard to get the title back in their hands. They have two big cards to play, one of them being Tim Merlier for a sprint; but also Remco Evenepoel who will have freedom to pursue victory if he is position to do so.

"I think I've recovered sufficiently from Friday's time trial. It's probably a good thing it was Friday and not Thursday. That way I could still keep up the rhythm," Evenepoel shared with Het Laatste Nieuws this morning.

Evenepoel will naturally benefit from a hard race but he will need other teams to have the same mentality as the course in Binche doesn't have too many difficulties - although the 230 kilometers in distance may make things very hard for some by the end.

"It depends a bit on how the other teams have set up the start. With Tim [Merlier] we are also prepared if we go for a sprint. In both situations we are ready to ride the final." Merlier will likely have to face off against the likes of Jasper Philipsen, Jordi Meeus and defending champion Arnaud De Lie.

However Evenepoel does want the title for himself, specially after making the trip to Belgium instead of devoting a few extra days at altitude. "In which scenario do I have the best chance of winning the title? If I arrive alone, certainly? I'm just at the start to win the race."