In the golden age of Tour de France dominance by Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, there stands a quiet challenger building momentum: Remco Evenepoel. The Belgian prodigy, known for his explosive power and relentless drive, might just be the closest rider capable of breaking through the Slovene-Dane stronghold. But bridging that gap is no small task.
“Everything has gone well. Preparing for a race like this means tweaking and adjusting things every day,” shares Klaas Lodewyck, Soudal – Quick-Step’s directeur sportif, speaking to Wieler Revue. “It’s not like you make a plan and stick to it rigidly.” The team’s camp in Tignes has been abuzz with careful calibrations, shared even by riders from rival teams—a collective effort to peak at just the right moment.
Signs of readiness came at the Belgian national championships, where Evenepoel lit up both the time trial and the road race. “He might even have been a bit too good on Sunday,” Lodewyck notes with a grin. “But better that than pulling out early with bad sensations.”
Even with those accolades, the shadow of Pogacar looms. Despite Evenepoel’s undeniable talent, he’s often found himself trailing in direct confrontations. But as Lodewyck asserts, “That applies to Vingegaard now as well… it’s simply a peloton packed with top talent.” That environment fuels ambition, not resignation. “It’s not always enjoyable, but it’s motivating. One day, we hope to beat them.”
For now, cautious optimism prevails. The first week of the Tour is notoriously volatile—crashes, mechanicals, and sheer chaos can derail even the best-laid strategies. “If there’s a chance, we won’t let it slip,” Lodewyck states. “But it’s hard to say beforehand, ‘This is how we’ll do it.’”
Yet amid these tactical enigmas, one idea lingers: could Evenepoel join forces, even briefly, with his classic-season rival, Mathieu van der Poel? The duo showcased remarkable synergy on day one of the Critérium du Dauphiné, pushing ahead together. “We talked about it again this week,” Lodewyck reveals. “They get along well, but the Tour is the Tour—every rider ultimately rides for themselves. Still, maybe we can turn that into an advantage someday.”
As the countdown ticks towards the Grand Départ, tension mounts. “These days before the Tour are frustrating,” Lodewyck admits. “For riders and staff alike, it’s a whirlwind. But once the flag drops, everyone knows their role. We’re ready.”
The pieces are moving on the chessboard. Whether it’s solo brilliance, stealth alliances, or a little luck, Evenepoel will need every edge to dethrone cycling’s elite. The Tour de France waits for no one.