Remco Evenepoel does not have unrealistic hopes against Pogacar at Tour de France: "I expect Tadej to be unreachable"

Remco Evenepoel is set for his Tour de France debut this week, one that has been anticipated for years. The Soudal - Quick-Step rider talks about his ambitions, form and plans for the Tour in a press conference ahead of the race, but does not have unrealistic hopes when battling against Tadej Pogacar in the mountains.

“I definitely want to win a stage, that's clear. For the rest, I hope I don't get into trouble and I want to take it day by day. We have always said that we dream of the top 5," Evenepoel said in words collected by Sporza. "That is a nice goal, but it is still only my first Tour. It is difficult to put expectations on it. We can be ambitious, but we will have to wait and see.” The Belgian has a lineup fully dedicated to him including climbers such as Mikel Landa and Ilan van Wilder; and rouleurs such as Yves Lampaert and Gianni Moscon to protect him in the flat finales and tricky gravel stage.

Evenepoel is not a pure climber as his rivals, he enters the race after a seventh place at the Criterium du Dauphiné where it was clear he wasn't yet at his highest level. He put in some good training following the French race at altitude but admits that an illness has prevented him from doing high-intensity efforts.

"I couldn't do high-intensity training, so I couldn't do 100% of what I needed. Longer training rides weren't a problem, it's just that high-intensity training was not possible until yesterday," he explains. "I certainly still have to grow during the first week. It is the perfect week for that with a difficult start and a few transition stages. That is ideal to grow to my top level. Then I hope to be at my best from stage 14. The last week will be very important.” Evenepoel is looking for a stage win and Top5 in the race as a realistic goal, one that is nevertheless still difficult in such a strong field.

"The only way I can win is by going solo, but it's not smart to do that with some GC ambitions in my head. Honestly, in the first week, I'll be more cautious than I am in Classics. You have to be smart, the Tour isn't one week, it's three long weeks," the former Vuelta a España winner says, having in mind how difficult the final week of the race is. "You have to economize where possible, I'll try to be as calm as possible and see how the race develops."

It will in fact be a new experience for the 24-year old who is also looking to gather a lot of experience. He is named one of the big favourites for overall victory, but he himself says that he sees in Tadej Pogacar a rider who is at a much superior level. "I expect Tadej to be unreachable, almost. I think what he showed in the Giro is already super impressive and he didn't have to go too deep, so it won't have tired him out. I think Tadej will be the man to beat for this Tour de France." With a very strong UAE Team Emirates around him as well, it will be difficult for Evenepoel to be a match in the high mountains.

“I think that Tadej Pogacar is eager to win after two years without a final victory. He will be very motivated at the start. He is the big favorite for me. They will also determine the Tour. What Visma | Lease a Bike did last year with UAE Emirates will now be reversed. We can expect war from day 1," Evenepoel warns. This is also because of Jonas Vingegaard's unknown form, which may trigger a flurry of attacks from UAE right from the start of the Tour.

"If they decide that's their tactic, we have to let them do what they want and just try to follow that pace as long as possible. Personally, I don't think Jonas will crack in the first days, not at all, but I think UAE and especially Pogačar want to pay back what Jumbo did last year to UAE," Evenepoel adds. "I'm curious to see how they approach the first day. UAE want to show they're the best team, kind of the Real Madrid of cycling."