"Remco is not going to the Tour" - Patrick Lefevere closes down chances of Evenepoel Tour de France debut

Patrick Lefevere was clear after Remco Evenepoel's departure from the Giro d'Italia that he would take his time and only then decide on a calendar, but a few days later the idea seems more set in stone. The World Champion will not ride the Tour de France.

"No, Remco is not going to the Tour. That wouldn't be very smart either. It is important that he now fully recuperates. We will test his health and then see how he can continue his planning," Lefevere told RTBF. The manager of Soudal - Quick-Step had spent the opening week of the Giro in Italy following the race up close but most of the riders have already gone home after testing positive for Covid-19.

Read also

"I should sue them for defamation" - Patrick Lefevere hits back at Gazzetta dello Sport's accusations that Evenepoel fled Giro d'Italia

Despite the two wins, it is a race that is now impossible to fit the early expectations. Much is being thought of what Evenepoel will do next, possibly keeping his initial season schedule, a possible Vuelta a Espana return or a Tour de France debut. The Grand Boucle seems to be out of question for the time being, whilst all others remain on the table as possibilities.

“He will probably want and be able to ride the world championships in August, but it is still too early to judge the Vuelta,” Lefevere concluded. Il Lombardia could also prove to be a goal later in the year, but in the upcoming weeks it'll become clearer which path he will take.

Read also

"I’m devastated this is how my Giro ended" - Tao Geoghegan Hart reacts to disastrous end to Giro d'Italia

PREVIEW | Giro d'Italia 2023 stage 12 - Breakaway day before race reaches high mountains