"My Tour preparation has really started now” - Remco Evenepoel kicks off Tour de France preparation as he hunts down Pogacar and Vingegaard

Remco Evenepoel has officially begun his preparation for the 2025 Tour de France, confirming over the weekend that his focus is now fully locked in on July. The Belgian star completed a seventy-kilometre training ride on Saturday, marking the start of his build-up for what promises to be one of the most anticipated Grand Tours in recent memory.

"My Tour preparation has really started now," the Soudal - Quick-Step leader declared, following a well-earned week off after a mixed but encouraging return to competition.

Evenepoel’s 2025 season has been anything but smooth. A crash with a van during training last Christmas meant the former world champion was unable to start his campaign until April, a major setback that left questions around how quickly he could find top form. But when he finally returned, the Belgian made an instant impression.

At Brabantse Pijl, Evenepoel stunned spectators with a sprint victory over Wout van Aert, announcing his comeback in emphatic fashion. He followed that up with a strong ride at Amstel Gold Race, where he finished third, but perhaps more significantly, managed to reel in a solo attack from Tadej Pogacar, something very few riders have done in recent years. Usually, when Pogacar attacks, the race is over. Not this time.

Evenepoel then produced a more subdued performance at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, a race he has previously won twice before, suggesting he may still be chasing full sharpness. But he bounced back quickly, claiming a stage victory at the Tour de Romandie to end his comeback block on a high.

Now, the focus turns to the Tour.

In the lead-up to the Grand Départ in July, Evenepoel will ride both Belgian national championships. The time trial will take place on 27 June in Brasschaat, and the road race follows two days later in Binche. These will be key testing grounds for a rider who is still refining his form but has already shown glimpses of world-class condition.

Last year, Evenepoel made a dazzling debut at the Tour de France. He finished third overall, claimed a stage victory, and won the white jersey as best young rider. He then followed it up with double Olympic gold and another time trial world title, a statement season that confirmed his status as one of the sport’s biggest names.

The question now is: can he reach those same heights again in 2025? And perhaps more challengingly, can he close the gap to Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard?

Evenepoel’s return to racing this spring suggests he’s not far off. The ability to match Pogacar at Amstel, win stages, and remain consistent despite a late start to the season points to a rider whose ceiling is once again climbing.

As the Tour approaches, all eyes will be on his final steps of preparation. With national championships, altitude training, and renewed focus on France, Remco Evenepoel is back in business, and ready to take on the sport’s toughest challenge once more.