“Tadej Pogacar and I have shown we're in good form; Jonas Vingegaard is a bit of a question mark” – Remco Evenepoel analyses rivals ahead of 2025 European Championships

As the elite men's road race at the 2025 European Championships draws near, Remco Evenepoel isn't shying away from the weight of expectation — or from sizing up the formidable competition that awaits him. Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday’s showdown, the Belgian star acknowledged the calibre of the field but offered a candid assessment: while both he and Tadej Pogacar have already demonstrated strong form, Jonas Vingegaard remains an unknown quantity.

“Tadej and I have shown we're in good form; Jonas is still a bit of a question mark,” Evenepoel said in quotes collected by Wielerflits. “It would be great if we could all go head-to-head in top condition. I’m curious to see where Jonas stands — especially since one-day races have been a bit of a weak spot for him in the past.”

Evenepoel's words come with the quiet authority of someone who has already laid down a marker this week. The 25-year-old dominated the time trial earlier in the championships, leaving his rivals scattered in his wake. But while others may bask in the afterglow of such a performance, Evenepoel is already focused on what lies ahead: a demanding road race, an elusive title, and a golden opportunity to add another layer to his ever-expanding legacy.

Despite a palmarès that includes a world title, two Olympic gold medals, and a Grand Tour victory, the European road race title is one that has so far eluded Evenepoel — a fact he’s keenly aware of. “This is a big goal for me — maybe even bigger than the World Championships in Rwanda,” he admitted. “It’s a title I haven’t won yet, and the course really suits me.”

Indeed, the terrain could hardly be more tailored to his strengths. The 2025 route promises a selective, attritional contest — far removed from the longer, steadier climbs of Rwanda. “This parcours is much more selective. On a good day, I should definitely be in the mix,” he said.

After his commanding time trial win, Evenepoel could have been forgiven for taking a step back. But his definition of “taking it easy” is relative. His Thursday reconnaissance ride — officially labelled a recovery spin — turned into a 135-kilometre effort with over 1,600 metres of climbing. Hardly leisurely.

Still, the days leading into the road race have been deliberately quieter, allowing the Belgian to fine-tune his form without tipping into fatigue. He knows full well that with riders like Pogacar and Vingegaard on the start list, perfection may be the bare minimum required.

Evenepoel isn’t underestimating his rivals. Far from it. Pogacar, the reigning world champion, has already shown this season that he’s lost none of his hunger. And while questions remain over Vingegaard’s form — not seen since his La Vuelta win, and with noted struggles in one-day races — the two-time Tour de France winner is never to be discounted. “He’s obviously a great rider,” Evenepoel said of the Dane. “And I’m looking forward to racing against both him and Tadej again.”

While most eyes are on the "big three" of Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel, the Belgian isn’t letting the star power distract from his own tactical mindset. “We’ll definitely take collective responsibility as a team,” he said. “But I’ll be racing with two thoughts in mind: I have to be ready if there’s an early move, but I also want to attack if I’ve got something left. I’m a winner, and I want to race like one.”

That winning instinct runs deep — and it’s perhaps why Evenepoel is so focused on this particular goal. For all his titles, the European road race remains unfinished business. “Coming in solo would be beautiful, but it won’t be easy. I’m ready for multiple scenarios,” he said.

And if the elusive title slips away once again? “If the parcours suits me, I’ll always come back. I’m always motivated — and ticking off that last box on my palmarès would make it even more special.”