Evenepoel silences doubters with podium finish in Tour de France: "I received so much criticism in my home country"

Finishing third in his first Tour de France, Remco Evenepoel can be more than proud after his debut in La Grande Boucle. The leader of Soudal Quick-Step also took home the white jersey and a stage win back to Belgium, where he will undoubtedly be welcomed as a hero.

And that is necessary, as the Belgian rider reiterated to the English-speaking press that he had received quite a bit of criticism back home. "I feel proud and happy. In my home country, there has been a lot of criticism of my abilities in stage races and climbing, about everything. I've done everything for this, which wasn't always easy after the fall in the Tour of the Basque Country. But now here I am, in third place and wearing the white jersey."

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He provided further explanation in his native language on Sporza. "I've been through a lot this year as well. I've known a lot of pressure, doubts from the outside. But I've just worked very hard to reach this level. Finishing after the two best cyclists in the world is beautiful and special. It's a confirmation of the work I've done," he said, referring to the Tour podium, which included himself alongside Tadej Pogacar and Remco Evenepoel.

Evenepoel thinks there is still margin for improvement

"It's a nice answer to my doubters and critics," Evenepoel reiterated. "I hope everyone continues to believe in me and that it's over with saying I can't ride grand tours. There's still room for improvement, and I'll come back trying to win," said the ever-eager Belgian from Patrick Lefevere's team.

"The biggest area I need to work on is that I need an extra gear when a high pace is set. Something that Tadej is very good at," he stated. "Tadej made the proportions clear once again, he has been untouchable throughout the Tour de France."

"This is still special. Maybe it's the only time I ever finish on the podium. I certainly hope not," said Evenepoel, who is already gearing up for the Olympic Games. "From Monday and definitely from Tuesday, the full focus is on the Olympic time trial. I want to win on Saturday."