Evenepoel for World Time Trial: "I haven't contemplated the impression I wish to leave Vingegaard and Roglic"

Considering the demanding road race in Glasgow just three days prior, how is Evenepoel feeling? "I'm doing fine. It wasn't too taxing for me; I already had a lap to shake off," he quipped, eliciting chuckles from the audience before transitioning to a more serious tone. "I've also had two days to recuperate now. I engaged in training and scouting on Wednesday for a more extended period, so I believe I've had a solid preparation."

Among the riders who conducted their reconnaissance on Wednesday and participated in the trial run of the promised time trial in the afternoon, a recurring sentiment was expressed: there are several "monotonous" segments in the course, particularly in the initial portion. Evenepoel concurs. "Aerodynamics become highly critical, particularly in the opening segment. Following the first checkpoint, the route essentially stretches out straight for periods lasting five or 10 minutes."

This scenario suits Evenepoel, who's renowned as the Aerogel of Schepdaal for a reason. "That's when I can simply focus on maintaining a streamlined posture to outpace the competition," he remarks about his aerodynamic prowess. "On the other hand, the second part involves more elevation changes, reducing the role of aerodynamics. Overall, it's an incredibly well-designed course; ultimately, it will come down to the performance of our legs."

The Belgian is also unequivocally positive about being slotted into the 'super' World Cup time trial. "I'm actually quite fond of it since I tend to struggle a bit more with a time trial before a road race. Occasionally, I experience discomfort at the outset of a road race. It entails a distinct kind of preparation, yet it doesn't necessarily put me at a disadvantage."

"My focus was more on the time trial than the road race anyway," Evenepoel confessed. "I had to participate in the road race regardless, being the outgoing champion, canceling wasn't an option in my view. I had already noticed that the road course favored riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Additionally, I faced a challenging buildup with extensive travel and countless kilometers in the car behind me," commented the 2022 world champion on his less-than-stellar performance at the World Road Championships.

Isn't it regrettable for Evenepoel that he won't be able to challenge Jonas Vingegaard after the Dane's impressive time trial display at the Tour de France? "It's not as if I've been strategizing to make an impression on my rivals," he alludes to the upcoming assessment of strength at the Tour of Spain. "It's a distinct situation: you participate here while being aware that the Vuelta starts in two weeks. Consequently, this event serves as a mid-point, a stepping stone toward it."

Yet, the competitive spirit in Evenepoel surfaces, even in races he 'squeezes in' on his way to the grand tour. "I'll give it my all, aiming to become a 63 or 64 kilogram world time trial champion would be fulfilling. However, achieving this won't be a straightforward task; there could be other riders in better form and with a stronger chance. Yet, I do believe the length of this time trial suits me, where a continuous pedaling effort is required," he concluded.