Evenepoel now has the opportunity to focus on his goals, but: "We must support him as much as possible"

Remco Evenepoel is temporarily out of action. The Belgian time trialist / GC rider for Soudal Quick-Step collided with a van door while training and suffered multiple fractures. Patrick Lefevere was already concerned about the recovery of his poulain, but now Klaas Lodewyck has shed some light on the path to 2025.

In conversation with Sporza, the trainer elaborates on Evenepoel's rehabilitation. According to Lodewyck, the 24-year-old is doing well under the circumstances. "Of course, it's not easy, especially with all the riders leaving on training camp. Normally, that is a nice opportunity to get to know the new guys and train together. But let's say it's going as well as it can. Occasionally, he feels bad, which is understandable," he said, discussing the effects of missing training camp.

Read more below the photo.

Evenepoel from the hospital, last week

Lodewyck hopes to see Evenepoel in Walloon classics

'Now it's already important to support him as much as possible in this difficult time,' the sports director continued. "Sometimes you ask yourself: how many setbacks can you handle? But anyway, he has to stop thinking about the race and see this period as an extra-long winter. However difficult that will be for him."

Of course, the cycling world especially wants to know when the star will be back on the road. "We do not put a specific date on his comeback; in mid-January, we will probably only have a better idea of how much progress he has made. It is still very early. The chances are that we will have to skip a month and a half and postpone his start of the season. Only then can we see what his first race could be and look forward to what is still possible towards the Walloon classics."

"For now, it's mainly a mix of emotions," the Soudal Quick-Step staff member continued. "Although we are already trying to bring up some bright spots, which week could he get back on the bike? Or which races can he participate in? For now, it is still a combination of various emotions, but when his mental state has calmed down, we can look ahead again. There is now an opportunity for him to see his big goal for the coming year."

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