Remco Evenepoel spotted on the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont - Does it actually mean he will race Flanders, though?

Over the Christmas period, many pro riders have travelled home to be with their families and spend a few days away from the full focus on pro cycling. That was the case with Remco Evenepoel who returned to Belgium, and on a training ride, he was spotted on the Tour of Flanders' climbs. Could this actually mean something?

It is a topic that had seemingly been closed after the announcement of the Olympic Champion's schedule, however it has now been reopened. It is to be taken with a grain of salt, as most likely the plan will not be changed, however it is fair to ask questions after the details that have been shared by Het Nieuwsblad.

The Belgian news outlet shared a small clip of Evenepoel training in the area and reportedly, he did so alongside soon-to-be teammate Gianni Vermeersch - who should lead the team in Flanders - and sports directors Klaas Lodewyck and Sven Vanthourenhout. It could be that Evenepoel, a local - although he currently spends most of his time in Spain - might have joined them as he was in the area.

However it might not be a coincidence, and the plans to ride Flanders may just be kept private in order to lower the amount of questions and pressure from the outside. There are clear cases of this such as Wout van Aert's cyclocross world championships and Tadej Pogacar's Paris-Roubaix debut in 2025, decisions that looked to be taken weeks in advance, but only shared when it had already became undeniable. Could Evenepoel be in the same situation?

Whilst Vermeersch does provide some guarantees, there won't be a discussion on whether Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe can win the race if Evenepoel is not at the start. The tactical aspect of the cobbled classics has been fading over the year, specially with the rise of riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar and Mads Pedersen who have made light work out of any off-road sector last spring, a level above the competition in almost every race.

But the real question is on whether Evenepoel will want to fit this in. If it's possible, the answer is a natural yes. He will race the Volta a Catalunya in March, and then the Ardennes in April. It's not a heavy spring schedule, as part of his plan to have a normal season, lowering the risks of injury, and also having his best form where it matters.