"We can't do more than our best" - Ilan Van Wilder urges to stop unrealistic comparisons to UAE's star-filled mountain armada

For a second year in a row, Remco Evenepoel enters the Tour de France as an underdog, a challenger who should stand up to the reign of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. But unlike those two, he cannot count on a super team of domestiques. Even more so now, since it became clear that Mikel Landa won't be able to participate.

That puts extra weight on the shoulders of Ilan Van Wilder who should be the last helper of Evenepoel in key moments. Even more important role than last year. "But actually, not much will change for me," Van Wilder assures Wieler Revue about his role.

Eighth overall at Tour de Suisse last month, the 25-year-old Belgian certainly seems to be in a good shape heading to Tour. "I will do my utmost to support my leader as long as possible during the difficult days. I do think that I am a little better than last year. That I have taken a step further. I hope to show that in the Tour."

Is he worried about the general strength of UAE and Visma? "No, I'm not thinking about that. First of all, I hope to stay safe, especially in the first week," is his answer to that. "It goes without saying that positioning for those hectic finals is not for me. That is not my job either. I have to get through the first part safely, so that I can do my job afterwards."

Last year, a lot of critique fell on the head of Evenepoel's Soudal - Quick-Step teammates for leaving their leader vulnerable. Those voices were heard again at the Criterium du Dauphiné where the Olympic champion fell short of his opponents. "It's a bit of the same story with the criticism, but I'm much less concerned about it," says Van Wilder.

"It's very easy to always compare us with teams that use captains as domestiques, like UAE. In my opinion, that's not a realistic comparison." Van Wilder then stands up for his teammates. "I know that those guys who are there are just going to give one hundred percent for the leaders. We can't do more than our best. I am convinced that we are all at a high level."