"Remco Evenepoel will not be able to threaten them" - Johan Bruyneel doubts Soudal - Quick-Step leader is a serious threat for Tour de France victory

Remco Evenepoel is widely expected to contest for the Maillot Jaune for the first time in his career next summer. Having already won the Vuelta a Espana and been leading the Giro d'Italia before withdrawing with covid earlier this year, many see the Belgian as a potential winner. Johan Bruyneel however, isn't so sure.

In Bruyneel's mind Primoz Roglic, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard are the three standout names. “Those three boys remain healthy and hardly have any bad luck. Who would be able to keep them off the stage?" He questions on his and Lance Armstrong's The Move podcast. "I see no one. Not Evenepoel either, no. He wants to ride the Ardennes classics and win a one-day race here and there.”

The fact he's done well in both the Giro and Vuelta previously doesn't convince Bruyneel either. “It's his first Tour de France. Okay, he already won the Vuelta, but the Tour de France is a different ballgame," he explains. "I don't think he can be expected to compete for the podium. He still has to learn the tricks of the Tour. There really is a big difference with the Tour. Especially if those three boys remain fit and nothing happens to them, Evenepoel will not be able to threaten them."

“To be honest: he has the talent to be on stage. But there are several riders who can go for the podium," adds Armstrong. "Carlos Rodriguez and Richard Carapaz will also want to fight for that podium spot if it becomes available.”