Remco Evenepoel at the start of Amstel: "I don't see myself as the big favorite, but rather place myself on the second row"

Remco Evenepoel suffered big injuries in December which cut his start of the season by several months. His first however, at Brabantse Pijl, ended in victory against Wout van Aert. However, the Belgian is aware that Amstel Gold Race will be a completely different affair - of course, with Tadej Pogacar now also as competition.

“I have recovered well from the efforts in the Brabantse Pijl. The initial phase is not too difficult, I can just roll along there. After that, I hope for fresh legs in the final”, the Belgian said in a pre-race interview with Wielerflits. The race will be two hours longer and with more climbing - and with tougher competition - which should mke it much harder to take a victory even on a good day.

“That makes for more exhaustion. It may be a little less explosive racing than it was with Wout last Friday. Everyone will feel a little more tired. That makes it easier to wiggle, move up and position themselves. The addition of the Cauberg in the final is also positive.”

Evenepoel has performed well in the Ardennes in the past, and Amstel suits him very well. Together with Max Schachmann and Ilan van Wilder Soudal - Quick-Step can have a big impact on the race.

"It was a very strong pack in the Brabantse Pijl, but not the strongest. I made the race with Wout, but it's something else today. We have to do our best and make the best of it. I don't see myself as the big favorite, but rather place myself on the second row."