2024 proves that Evenepoel can win the Tour: "Now the question is: Does he have the qualities to make a difference?"

Remco Evenepoel is still limited to indoor training as he awaits a crucial medical check-up next week. The shoulder injury he sustained in December will determine when he can return to the road and how his preparation for the 2025 Tour de France will take shape. The Belgian GC contender had a clear plan leading up to the Tour, but his crash into the door of a postal truck threw everything off course.

Next week’s medical evaluation will determine whether Evenepoel gets the green light to train outside. Once that happens, Soudal Quick-Step’s coaching staff can develop a concrete plan for his return to the peloton.

"It’s not the ideal way back into the season, but you have to deal with it," Quick-Step team director Tom Steels told Vélo. "It’s really a buildup from zero. You have to take it easy with a shoulder. That takes time, at least a few months, to get back and be ready again," the Belgian predicts.

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Evenepoel's crash in December

Soudal Quick-Step does not want to rush Evenepoel's recovery

The current plan is for Evenepoel to return at the Ardennes Classics in April, followed by altitude training camps and the Critérium du Dauphiné as the final test before the Tour de France. However, everything depends on when he can get back to training at full capacity. His participation in the Ardennes Classics is still uncertain.

Evenepoel’s crash resulted in more than just a broken shoulder blade — he also fractured a hand and several ribs, making the recovery process more complicated. Yet, Steels stresses the importance of not rushing things. "If this had happened in April or June, the Tour would be almost impossible." For a brief moment, Evenepoel and his team considered the Giro d’Italia, but that option has now been completely ruled out. The sole focus is on a structured preparation for the Tour, with caution remaining a priority.

"If you rush it, you always risk making it worse. The shoulder is tricky and it needs time to heal. The shoulders carry a lot of weight because it’s the main point of contact with the bike. An injury like this takes four to six weeks at least. Of course he’s an exceptional talent, and he can perform even at 85 percent. That’s his advantage. But on the other hand, to compete with the best, you have to be 100 percent, and that takes time."

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In 2025, Evenepoel wants to be two steps higher on the podium

Despite everything, winning the Tour remains the big goal

Despite the setback, Soudal Quick-Step remains confident in Evenepoel’s Tour chances. The team has strengthened its climbing squad with riders like Maximilian Schachmann and Valentin Paret-Peintre. The goal remains the same: winning the Tour de France. "The big lesson from last year is that Remco can win. Even when it was going tough, he has the mind to push through it. For him to stay strong for three weeks, that’s what you need to win a Tour," Steels explains.

"Last year, he was 100 percent ready, but it was still his first Tour. He adapted incredibly fast. He’s made for it. Now, we’re trying to get the best out of him year by year." And so, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard should be on alert, as Steels sees plenty of opportunities. "You always look at your own strength. He has a strong weapon in the in the time trials on the climbing is also one of the best in the world. Now the question is, do you have the qualities to make a difference?"

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