Remco Evenepoel, a rider for Soudal Quick-Step, is poised for a remarkable return to competitive cycling after being sidelined for several months due to a severe crash. This incident resulted in various injuries including nerve damage, along with impacts to his ribs, hand, and shoulder. Even with the severity of these injuries, the 25-year-old Belgian is filled with determination and confidence as he prepares to take on one of the sport’s foremost talents, Tadej Pogacar of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.
On Friday, Evenepoel will make his highly anticipated return at the Fleche Brabanconne, an event that will be broadcast live on both TNT Sports and discovery+. Following this, he will set his sights on the Amstel Gold Race, where he will face off against Pogacar once again, this match-up occurring on Sunday and also available for viewing via TNT Sports and discovery+. Evenepoel is ready for the challenge and is steadfast in his belief that he can compete with the Slovenian prodigy.
In a statement reflecting his competitive spirit, Evenepoel remarked, “If I didn’t think it could happen, then I wouldn’t be at the start line.” His confidence is not unfounded; he recognizes the magnitude of the task before him, yet he embraces the challenge inherent in professional cycling. “I need to try to beat him, which is very difficult, but that’s what I’m paid to do by the team,” he explained. This mindset illustrates not only his readiness but also his commitment to returning to form.
To prepare for the competition, Evenepoel has taken keen notes on Pogacar’s racing strategies, albeit with a humble acknowledgment of his analytical capabilities. “I’m trying to learn something,” he shared, recognizing that while it’s essential to focus on his own performance, studying his opponent can provide valuable insights. He knows that achieving victory against a formidable competitor like Pogacar requires one to strive for personal excellence, saying, “you have to be focused on yourself, and try to be the best version of yourself.”
Despite the optimism surrounding his return, Evenepoel candidly assessed the aftermath of his injuries during this rehabilitation phase. After undergoing significant medical evaluation, it was discovered that he had sustained a nerve injury, which, he noted, has not yet fully healed. This has led to partial dysfunction in his shoulder muscle, although he reassured fans that “luckily, that muscle is not the most important one for cyclists.” Luckily, he asserted that he has regained full use of his hand and is recovering well from rib and lung injuries. He explained how he mitigates the ongoing effects of his injuries by using tape for stability, particularly on challenging cobbled sections during races.
The challenges he faces are not insignificant; however, Evenepoel remains optimistic. “It’s not optimal, but my legs are turning, and that’s the most important,” he stated confidently, emphasizing his focus on gradually regaining peak performance.
As he prepares to re-enter the cycling arena, Evenepoel will not be the only remarkable athlete on display at the Fleche Brabanconne. The event will feature a competitive field that includes notable names like the 2021 champion, Tom Pidcock, Belgian star Wout van Aert, and rising talent Biniam Girmay.
For cycling enthusiasts keen to catch these exhilarating competitions, the upcoming Fleche Brabanconne is slated for Friday, April 18, and live coverage will be available via TNT Sports and discovery+. In this race, and particularly in his subsequent encounter with Pogacar, spectators will be eager to witness how Evenepoel translates his resilience and competitive spirit into remarkable performances, reaffirming his status as one of cycling’s brightest stars.
