"In my home country there has been a lot of criticism. I've worked my arse off to be in the best shape possible" Remco Evenepoel spoke to Matt after the podium presentation 🤍🇧🇪 #TDF2024
Evenepoel silences doubters with podium finish in Tour de France: "I received so much criticism in my home country"
CyclingSunday, 21 July 2024 at 21:00
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."
Read more below the video.
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."
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024