Remco Evenepoel went "from cheeky bully to a more balanced professional" - David Geeroms

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."