Evenepoel sees opportunities for yellow in the first week, but may need to share with Merlier: "Serious puzzle"

Following the route presentation, team boss Patrick Lefevere spoke to Het Nieuwsblad. "I think it’s a good course for Remco," he began. "There are two time trials: one flat, 33-kilometer one, and one climbing time trial. In the flat time trial, he can show that he’s the best in the world in racing against the clock. I see him finishing closer in the standings than this year, and I’m not talking about positions but time. This year, Remco lost five minutes in one stage. I don’t see that happening next year." In the last Tour, Evenepoel finished third, over nine minutes behind winner Tadej Pogacar.

In addition to the time trials (including a climbing time trial to Peyragudes) and grueling mountain stages, there are also opportunities here and there for sprinters. It’s likely that Soudal Quick-Step will want to capitalize on those as well. "There are seven flat stages. You can’t ignore that." Including Merlier in the selection, who with sixteen victories was the most successful sprinter of 2024, will be challenging to balance with the overall classification ambitions of the world time-trial champion. "It’ll be a serious puzzle for us, but we really have to consider bringing Merlier. Today, Remco says yes, although that could change tomorrow."

If Merlier starts in Lille, he won’t be entirely on his own within the team. "Tim is a sprinter who can manage his own race, but this year’s Bert Van Lerberghe can also pull for Remco. We’re allowed to take eight riders," Lefevere concluded. The Tour de France begins with a flat stage in northern France, after which sprinters will need to wait for their opportunities, as the first week is filled with tricky finishes.

Evenepoel shared his thoughts on the route in Paris after the presentation. "It’s a very unique route, but very beautiful! The Grand Départ is not far from Belgium," the Belgian told L'Équipe. "The time trial so early in the Tour gives me a chance to grab the yellow jersey in the first week, but it won’t be of much importance for the general classification as there are still many mountain stages to come. The mountain stages look magnificent, with plenty of legendary passes to climb."