Evenepoel puts Pogacar and training buddy in Spain Van der Poel in the balance at World Championship press conference

Thursday night, it was already up to Tadej Pogacar. The other top favorites for the men's elite World Championships talked to the press on Friday. Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel were in the hotel with their Belgian and Dutch selections, but they divided their press chat evenly between morning and evening. Evenepoel was allowed to kick off.

Whereas the press conferences of the Belgian selections for the championships are usually held in Dutch, there was so much interest from other countries that an English format was chosen. This just goes to show what influence the global media expects Evenepoel and his seven companions to have on Sunday.

Remco Evenepoel press conference ahead of World Championship

Remco, on Thursday, we sat with Tadej. He told us that he thought you were powerful in the time trial, but can we speak of a "different game" on Sunday?

"Definitely, we are also riding a different bike. And we're with a bigger team, so I'm not alone."

You have a strong team even. In past years, you consistently controlled the World Championship, whether for you or Wout. Is that also the plan for Sunday, or will you rather attack?

(grins) "We haven't had the tactical meeting yet. Of course, we want to race, but I'm not the one who will decide that. Or it's up to Victor (Campenaerts, ed.) if he wants to ride from kilometer one..."

What would you like?

"If I have to believe the newspapers, there are two favorites." (referring to Van der Poel and Pogacar)

"So those two may have to control, but it depends on how the course develops. We have to be able to adapt to different situations."

How is the mindset?

"Relaxed, I would say. But that's always the case, I think. I'm just going to give it my all. If I win, then it's great. But if not, that's also part of life, and I'm just as motivated."

Do you feel extra pressure now that you can win the double-double (at the World Championship and Olympics)?

"No, it gives me motivation. It's easier to talk about than to realize it, so we will definitely try."

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You trained with Mathieu in Spain. How would you assess his form uphill?

"The last time I cycled with him, two or three weeks ago, it wasn't so good. But he is a rider who knows how to get in shape at the right time, so the two or three weeks with the Tour of Luxembourg will have done him well. But of course, he is a bit heavier than me and Tadej, so he also has to drag that weight up every lap. That might be a small disadvantage."

So, were you able to demotivate him a bit uphill?

"That's impossible. He's always there."

You and Freddy Ovett agreed on a cheering move last Sunday. Is there one for next Sunday as well?

"Maybe. But I don't want to wake up the beast in Tadej."

Can you and Mathieu become allies in some way?

"That seems pretty clear to me. I'm riding here for Belgium and not for the Netherlands, so it's not like we're making deals in a certain way."

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Would you dare to go to the finish with Tadej?

"If there is no other option, then I will have to. But it's no secret that he's a fast rider, so I certainly won't provide a lead-out for him. I will have every right not to ride with him, but I must ride smart anyway."

People are mostly talking about the three of you. Who do you expect on the podium?

"I'm not going to venture into that. It's a World Championship, and then surprises always pop up."

Who could be the surprise then?

"Victor."