In a recent interview, Remco Evenepoel has talked about the possibility of riding the 2023 Tour de France, and the overall sensations towards what path to choose in the upcoming season, taking into consideration his and his teammates' ambitions.
In an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, Evenepoel affirmed the provisional plan for the Quick-Step team's leaders which has for some time been expected: "You could say: me for the Giro, Jakobsen the Tour, Merlier the Vuelta." With the Belgian looking to slowly build up towards the Tour de France, he is expected to return to the Giro next year, despite his recent success.
The Tour "is the ultimate dream, it does not exclude an intermediate station in 2023. So far, the Giro d'Italia looks very nice." Rumours hint towards a Giro featuring over 70 kilometers of individual time-trial, a route that would very likely suit and attract the new World Champion onto the Italian Grand Tour next May - the race presentation is scheduled for this 17th of October.
With several leaders on board at the Quick-Step team however, there is an effort to keep cohesion, hence Evenepoel is unlikely to race two Grand Tours next season. "We can actually divide it neatly. I think that's better, otherwise you risk division. That also applies to a sprinter, who deserves a strong lead out: in other words, at least two riders. Then the combination becomes difficult, doesn't it?" he explained.
"Fabio and I get along well and in a normal race I like to be part of his sprint train. But in a Grand Tour it is different," he said, justifying his possible absence from the Tour de France, whilst Fabio Jakobsen - and likely Julian Alaphilippe - will chase stage wins and perhaps the points jersey.