“We’re going to race atypically” – Belgium conjure plan for Remco Evenepoel to defeat Pogacar

Remco Evenepoel stands on the brink of history. Having already claimed Olympic gold in both the road race and time trial, three world time trial titles, and a world road crown, the Belgian could complete an unprecedented Olympic–World–European triple set by winning today’s European Championship road race in France.

The course in Drôme–Ardèche is a punishing one: three ascents of Saint-Romain-de-Lerps (7.1 km at over 7%) followed by six climbs of the Val d’Enfer (1.5 km at nearly 10%) a saw-tooth circuit that will punish anyone who misjudges effort or timing. A course like this means it will only be the best climbers who can survive to race for the title. The 203-kilometre race has drawn the strongest possible field, setting up a three-way clash between Evenepoel, Tadej Pogacar, and Jonas Vingegaard, the three dominant forces of modern cycling.

For Evenepoel, this is more than another line on a palmarès already bulging with titles. “This is a big goal for me, maybe even bigger than the World Championships in Rwanda,” he said to Wielerflits. “It’s a title I haven’t won yet, and the course really suits me.”

Belgium will back him with what coach Serge Pauwels calls an “atypical” plan. “We’re going to race atypically. Does that mean we’ll take less initiative? I’m not going to say. But we have something special planned,” he told Het Nieuwsblad. “Whether that will materialize, we’ll see.”

Evenepoel is the undisputed leader, but Pauwels also hinted at a tactical wildcard on the roster. “Remco is our leader, of course, but if the situation arises that Maxim Van Gils is with us, that would be good. He’s fast at the finish and can also win in the sprint.”

The coach expects the attrition to be relentless throughout the day. “It could be one-on-one, maybe even one more,” Pauwels said. “All those climbs are going to take their toll.”

Evenepoel, who dominated Wednesday’s European time trial to take gold ahead of Filippo Ganna, is confident but realistic about his rivals. He was second in the world road race last Sunday, and what’s to go one better today. “Tadej and I have shown we're in good form; Jonas is still a bit of a question mark,” he said. “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.”