There are still exactly 7 months to go, but fans – mainly Belgian – are already looking forward to Remco Evenepoel’s debut in the greatest cycling race on Earth.
And trip director Christian Prudhomme is already beaming with excitement at the thought of the extra spice bag Evenpoel will add to his race.
“Obviously Vinjegaard and Pogacar would be the favourites. But Evenepoel has that X factor, that unexpected and wonderful thing. He can suddenly turn things around.”
Prudhomme was particularly fascinated by the way Evenpoel finished the Vuelta. “I was amazed at how he was able to bounce back after the setback.”
“I thought he was going to give up, but we saw the opposite. He excelled with his attacks.”
Prudhomme was unable to completely eliminate Evenepoel to achieve overall victory. “He can win. But what is certain is that he will leave his mark on the race and therefore on the overall win as well.”
Prudhomme made his comments about Evenpoel on the sidelines of the presentation of the tour that begins in 2025. It begins in Lille and crosses the Belgian border. But not about that.
“This is an option for France, not against Belgium,” Prudhomme says. “We are never against Belgium. After all, how can you love a bike and not love Belgium?”
“After consulting with various authorities, we decided to start through northern France only, and therefore 100% across France.”
“By the way,” Prudhomme adds. “The 2024 Tour, where Evenpoel will start, will end in a time trial on July 21. Then do you think we don’t like the Belgians?”
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