Remco Evenepoel has always been known as a strong personality within cycling, that continues to this day however the World Champion is more mature and calm in both words and racing. Some of his compatriots have analyzed this change since the time when he was a junior.
'"From cheeky bully to a more balanced professional. In the past there was always tension and stress. He had to win, he had to do this and that," David Geeroms, who has been in contact with the Belgian for several years, told Algemeen Daglbad. "Then you get out of your head faster and make statements that are not always appropriate. Remco has grown up very quickly."
Besides his personality, the media pressure that came along being a star since young age led to him being followed like few others in the sport. The comparisons to Eddy Merckx surely did not help, putting pressure that seemed unsustainable and unhealthy on such a young rider. Ever since however he's managed to overcome that bump, and then succeed into monument, Grand Tour and World Championship victories.
"His statements may come across as a bit enthusiastic, but with so much talent and power that is allowed," Arne Marit, rider for Intermarché-Circus-Wanty at the Giro, added. "When a 21-year-old boy makes a statement, everyone has an opinion. In Belgium they say: first pedal and then talk. I don't think there's much discussion now."
Now a leader at Soudal - Quick-Step, is talent has also seen him become the team's headliner, and the reason for an imminent change when it comes to which types of riders it signs - now with climbers being a big priority.
"I've known him for so long and for me personally he's still the same Remco. But from the general public's point of view, I do understand. Look, Remco said with a straight face in the juniors that he wanted to win all three Grand Tours," Marit continued. "They don't find anything like that in Belgium. But he's well on his way now. In the Netherlands that would perhaps be appreciated a bit more. His statements may come across as a bit enthusiastic, but with so much talent and power that's okay."
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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- for what?frieders311-11-2026
- Blah blah blah!frieders311-11-2026
- Where Merckx just rode every single race he could and won all the time, Hinault won less often (percentage wise) because he was more judicious in what he raced. His palmares are nuts. He had amazing rivals, one to start his career and another to end it in the grand tours. His classics were solid. What sets him apart from Merckx and Pogačar are that he basically dabbled in the classics while the other two love(d) them. I used to compare Pogačar to Hinault for his grand tour record and occasional classics win, until I realized that the comparison was wrong. Pogačar loves the classics - ah, the memory of his reaction to finishing fourth in a 2 person sprint in Flanders in ‘22: utter domination in any one day race since then, even when he doesn’t win. Hinault lived for the grand tours and I don’t think anyone else will ever reach his record. 10 wins in 13 attempts? Good lord. An amazing rider. Wish there was more footage to watch.RidesHills11-11-2026
- I had no idea about that either.
santiagobenites10-11-2026 - great analysis thanks! appreciate you posting this. I didn't realize CX had a different standard for deviation. this is even more egregious it seems.mij10-11-2026
- As he isn't currently with Red Bull, I guess if he want to race for one more year he needs to find a team. He's 37 so this will be his last year I would guess, unless he wants to race for almost nothing like Froome did.awp10-11-2026
- I think some are making much ado about nothing. Even though Jonas is getting older, before his crash in the Tour, he looked like a solid 2nd all the way home. No one can really climb with Tadej until this year, Eric Mas showed himself which I think was a one off year for him and Paul Seixas has been able to be pretty close to him. Whatever stage race Jonas enters as long as Tadej is not there he is a favorite to win.awp10-11-2026
- Giro or not Giro, he won't win the Tour!MajorPayne10-11-2026
- Very true.awp10-11-2026
- Ciccone had a very strong end of season. Consistently attacking and livening up races. Hope he makes that last leap in progress and starts notching some significant wins. Great rider to watch.Occam10-11-2026
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