The question burns the lips of all cycling enthusiasts, since the demonstration of the little prodigy on the Vuelta and then at the world championship. Remco Evenepoel will he try next year to get his hands on the Tour de France? Not sure, but the debate is in any case open within the Quick-Step team, despite the reluctance of boss Patrick Lefevere. The 22-year-old Belgian rider will wait to “see the courses” before deciding which Grand Tour he will line up for in 2023, he himself announced on Monday during a video press conference.
“I know that after my success in Spain (in September), there were a lot of comments from people who want to see me on the Tour de France very soon. But, I remain very calm about it. We must move forward step by step, Evenepoel said. With the team, we have a plan. And, as was the case this year, we never changed that plan. I’m only 22 and many years ahead of me. The Vuelta was a big step towards my big dream (to win the Tour). But it may take a long time to reach his dream. »
A history of times
“If it’s up to me, Remco will not compete in the Tour de France before 2024,” said his manager Patrick Lefevere at the end of September. But the door is not closed. “We will look at the routes and in particular the profiles and the kilometers (to be covered) against the clock. When we have this data, we can decide which race we do. Not before”, detailed the Flemish prodigy, the first Belgian winner of a grand tour since Johan De Muynck at the Giro in 1978.
With this in mind, the next Tour of Italy could appeal to the world champion since the Giro will begin with a selective 18-kilometre time trial which should suit his qualities as a roller-climber. The one who also won Liège-Bastogne-Liège this season has also repeated that he does not intend to leave his current team despite rumors sending him to Ineos.
“I am surprised by what I have heard (regarding the interest of several teams, including Ineos). There is nothing. I still have three years of contract (with Quick-Step). I trust my teammates. They trust me. I have no reason to leave,” concluded Evenepoel, who will play Binche-Chimay-Binche in Belgium on Tuesday, his first race with the rainbow jersey.