"Nothing indicates stress and pressure" - Kristof Meul on Remco Evenepoel at Vuelta a Espana

Although the physical aspect is crucial, the psychological may be just as important when it comes to top end racing. Remco Evenepoel put on a great display of calm and control at last year's Vuelta a Espana, he's said to be in a relaxed mood heading into his attempt at a title defense.

"Playing reporter yourself, waving hands to the audience... Evenepoel looks very relaxed," Kristof Meul told Sporza. "Remco makes a super chilled and super relaxed impression. Yesterday he had a lot of media obligations, which he completed with a smile. Evenepoel also played reporter with his camera for his documentary series 'Rainbow Remco' and interviewed people from the organization. He is very comfortable. Nothing indicates stress and pressure."

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He's having to battle Primoz Roglic and Jonas Vingegaard who lead Jumbo-Visma that has the goal of winning the Vuelta, however in factual terms both have won a Grand Tour already this season and the Vuelta victory wouldn't even be their brightest achievement of 2023. Hence it is an interesting mix of mentalities entering the race, but a fight that should be very exciting.

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"He enjoyed the applause and rode off to the audience with a broad smile and waves. His mission this summer has already succeeded with that world title in Stirling," he continues. "This Vuelta is an extra for Evenepoel, who should not win here, but wants to win. He gives that impression. Remco is someone who likes to be in the spotlight and gets energy from it. But now you notice that he is not consciously looking for it."

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However behind that relaxed figure remains a very tense topic that has been swarming Quick-Step for the past few weeks. A feud between team boss Patrick Lefevere and his agent Patrick Evenepoel, the constant need to sign more climbers, and recently the choice of Ilan van Wilder to skip the Vuelta and focus on his own ambitions. Contract wise this all looks far from ideal.

"The Ineos rumors are sensitive. Yesterday before the interview it was asked not to ask questions about Ineos," Meul reveals. "If there is something to say about that theme, Remco will say it himself."

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Final startlist Vuelta a Espana with Evenepoel, Roglic, Vingegaard, Ayuso, Almeida, Ganna, Thomas, Landa and Mas

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