04/08/2023

Remco Evenepoel: "You actually have every reason to be pissed at a teammate if he prevents you from becoming world champion"

Remco Evenepoel is heading into Glasgow as the reigning World Champion. The route isn't as well suited as last year however he starts as one of the favourites, he talks about how teaming up with Wout van Aert can be his perfect scenario, and how friendships can be broken in such a meaningful race.

“The ideal scenario is that Wout and I go to the final together in a small group. Then we can also play mental games," Evenepoel said in an interview ahead of the race. "Unlike last year, it is much more difficult to predict where it will happen. There is a good chance that the peloton will break open where no one expects it. Everyone talks about Montrose Street, but maybe nothing will happen there.”

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The Belgian is a aware that the extremely technical circuit can see attacks or splits at any point, and it is in Belgium's favour as the team takes several high quality riders for this type of terrain. Depth will be important to make sure all moves are covered, and the team has the opportunity to anticipate rivals too. Evenepoel's tactic will surely be of attempting that, as was the case last year.

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The final circuit features a few climbs but he argues that the decisive moves may not come there. “Because everyone expects it. You have to pay attention in every corner, on every strip. It is a World Championship where we will have to ride full throttle all the time. Just unpredictable. Maybe the course isn't as hard as we all think?"

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However he's also asked about possible rivalries with teammates. Kasper Asgreen, Julian Alaphilippe and Andrea Bagioli for example will all be on rival teams on the day and are strong contenders themselves for a medal. “Just think of Asgreen, he's in super shape. You actually have every reason to be pissed at a teammate if he prevents you from becoming world champion."

"The next day you ride in one team again, wearing the same outfit. He did take away your big dream, didn't he. It can even cost friendships. But at a World Championships you ride for your country. It is a brutal, hard fact," he concludes.