Speaking at the Soudal-Quickstep team’s event in Calpe, Spain, Evenepoel expressed a keen awareness of the significance of the upcoming challenges.
“The Tour de France and the Olympic Games in the same month are two of the most famous sports competitions in the whole world. [July] will be a very exciting month special month. Everything is focused on that month, where I have to perform at the highest level that I’ve ever done.
“It’s just something that’s exciting. Finally it’s there, it’s coming,” Evenepoel said. “I also feel it in my training. I’m super motivated to do every training to the detail. Not 10 minutes less or 10 minutes more, just everything to the detail. Perfect the diet, everything, because I’m so excited to start the Tour.
Reflecting on the previous year’s challenges, including a COVID-19 setback during the Giro d’Italia and a Vuelta a España campaign that didn’t go as planned, Evenepoel acknowledged the rollercoaster of emotions and the impact on his performance. However, with recent team stability and the end of transfer rumors, he finds himself more relaxed and ready to tackle the high-level competition.
“It really changed, also training has gone pretty smooth. I will not be stressed if I cannot train a day or if I have to skip a day, which wasn’t the case over the last few years. So all those things will probably help me in the races, and it will save some energy for hectic moments in competition.”
When asked about his prospects for a podium finish at the Tour de France, Evenepoel responded with cautious optimism, aware of the unpredictability and challenges of such a prestigious event. His primary goal remains securing at least one stage victory, with the overall classification as a secondary consideration.
While Evenepoel’s public goals for July are measured — aiming for a stage win at the Tour de France and two podium finishes at the Olympics — his private ambitions hint at greater aspirations. He also spoke of possibly adjusting his racing style for the Grand Tours, balancing his signature aggressive attacks with strategic planning.
“I think for example, in a Paris-Nice and a Basque Country race, I can still race how I like, and having a bit of crazy ideas. But then for sure like Tour de Suisse, Dauphiné, Tour de France. Grand Tours are a completely different story.”
Will he make his mark on the Tour? What do you think?
