"Now we can consider it" - Remco Evenepoel open to Giro-Tour double; but confirms no Tour of Flanders

Belgian cycling sensation Remco Evenepoel is setting his sights on achieving even greater success as he moves into the 2025 season. This week, Evenepoel was honoured with the prestigious Flandrien award, which recognises him as the Belgian cyclist of the year following an impressive 2024 campaign.

Earlier in the year, Soudal Quick-Step’s team principal, Patrick Lefevere, hinted at potential changes to Evenepoel’s racing schedule, suggesting the possibility of him making his debut at both Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders in 2025. "I think Remco is a bit of a Flandrien after all. He sometimes trains on these roads. I'm sure he wants to ride the Tour one day," Lefevere shared with La Dernière Heure.

However, Evenepoel has since provided a clearer picture of his 2025 plans, confirming in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, "I will not ride the Tour of Flanders next season.”

The 24-year-old left the door open for other early-season classics, noting that “Milan-San Remo is still open as an option, depending on the choice for Tirreno-Adriatico or Paris-Nice. Actually, we have not yet spoken concretely about programs. But we have spoken about ideas and goals.”

This leaves cycling fans wondering if Evenepoel will opt for a Giro d'Italia and Tour de France double in 2025. Addressing the possibility, Evenepoel stated, "Last year, the Giro-Tour combination was not possible if you wanted to be at the top at the Olympic Games. Now we can consider it, but we will first wait and see what the course is like. If I ride the Giro, I will not ride Ardennes classics such as the Fleche Wallonne and the Amstel. I never skip Liège-Bastogne-Liège if I am healthy."

Evenepoel’s ambition to secure another grand tour victory is evident. His strong third-place finish at his Tour de France debut in 2024 showcased his talent on the biggest stage, but the Belgian star has not won a grand tour since his 2022 Vuelta a España triumph. Despite his two victories at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, it is clear that grand tours remain his primary focus as he aims to challenge the dominance of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard in the seasons to come.