And for Evenepoel, the harder the race the better the chance of victory. “We’ll do everything we can to wear down the really explosive guys as much as possible and see what’s possible from there. The Mur de Huy doesn’t suit me quite as well as those lighter, punchy riders - like
Thibau Nys, for example - so we’ll have to push the pace early," he explains. "But I don’t think we’ll be the only ones with that strategy. I’m sure UAE will try something similar.”
“If it does come down to a sprint, I’ll try to make the best of it," concludes the Belgian's preview. "Positioning will be crucial, and then I just have to believe in my own chances.”