"Remco has a hard time getting rid of that" - Has Tom Boonen found what Remco Evenepoel must correct to improve in 2025?

Remco Evenepoel enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season, solidifying his status as one of the brightest stars in cycling. The 23-year-old Belgian finished third at the Tour de France, on his debut at cycling’s biggest race, and went on to win double gold at the Olympic Games in Paris. However, not everyone in the Belgian cycling world is fully convinced by Evenepoel's approach, including six-time Tour stage winner and 2005 World Champion Tom Boonen.

Speaking on the Stamcafé Koers, Boonen shared his thoughts on Evenepoel’s competitive mindset, drawing parallels to his own experience during his illustrious career. Boonen recounted an incident from the 2009 Tour of Flanders, where his former teammate Filippo Pozzato closely marked him throughout the race, effectively neutralising Boonen’s chances of victory.

“He really fucked me over that day,” Boonen recalled, before reflecting on the situation with perspective. “I get paid to win, he gets paid to win. And he might also get paid to lose me. If he gets an order from his boss, I understand that. I might have done the same.”

Boonen used this story to critique the Soudal - Quick-Step rider's tendency to perceive others' tactics as targeted aggression. “That is sometimes the problem with Remco. Remco has a hard time getting rid of that. ‘They are riding against me.’ No, they are riding to win. And because they want to win, you have to lose.”

Boonen explained that being able to set aside such frustrations is a crucial skill in professional cycling. “I could do that. I could separate that. You have a competition, from start to finish, and then it's over. Everyone has a different interest. You have to be able to set that aside. That has been a strength, that ability to put things into perspective.”

While acknowledging that handling intense competition can be overwhelming, Boonen also admitted that even he struggled at times. “Although I have sometimes rushed myself on screen. Sometimes it’s just too much. But you have to be able to handle that.”