"The team really needs you..." - Former teammate and Tour of Flanders winner calls on Remco Evenepoel to race Flanders

Remco Evenepoel is as much of a one-day race specialist as he is a stage-racer. With his ability to ride long races, short efforts and his tactical prowess, a debut in the cobbled classics where he grew up has seemed to be coming closer and closer. Philippe GIlbert, who guided Evenepoel in his early years and has won the Tour of Flanders, hopes the choice is made regarding this Sunday's race.

Evenepoel was, in the winter, argued that he should pursue either Milano-Sanremo or Tour of Flanders this year, aiming to extend his schedule into new grounds where he can perform. After Tadej Pogacar has shown his abilities and has won both, it is no longer a doubt that other riders who are often seen as climbers can also make the leap.

But Evenepoel is an all-rounder who looks suited to every terrain. In Flanders, there was for many years the hope that he would make his Flanders debut in a Quick-Step that was no longer competitive; and whilst at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe the performances have been stronger, Evenepoel would still likely have a leading position.

The race has become less and less tactical over the years and has in its recent editions been a matter of either Tadej Pogacar or Mathieu van der Poel attacking on the climbs and then taking a solo win. In this circumstance, the lack of experience in the Flandrien monument would not prove too costly, if at all, for Evenepoel. In the past Julian Alaphilippe had made this switch in Evenepoel's team and quickly proved worthy of a top result.

But those who argue for Evenepoel to race it are not just fans and excited spectators who want another headliner to De Ronde, but men who were involved in the sport. After a Volta a Catalunya where he showed good form, and several weeks with an empty racing calendar, Philippe Gilbert believes that its time for Evenepoel to make his debut, with less pressure than what it would be otherwise in a different year.

“When I look at the BORA team right now… The team performs best at the strategic points of the classics, but they currently lack a real leader," the former winner argued on RTL's Dans le peloton show. "A rider capable of winning these races. Remco Evenepoel is the perfect man to do this".

Gilbert says this out of knowledge of Evenepoel's abilities, as the two raced together, and the Olympic Champion has evolved further and further ever since. The former pro has strongly argued for this debut, which has been sparked into a major debate this Tuesday once again after Wielerflits reported that he is set to join on a recon ride with the team this Thursday.

“I know that Remco and his father Patrick are watching us. Remco, you are currently in top form and I am convinced of your qualities as a one-day racer. With your knowledge of the course – after all, you regularly train on the roads of the Tour of Flanders – the team really needs you on Sunday.”