Remco Evenepoel experienced some struggles in 2023, falling short of the expectations of enthusiastic Belgian fans. There were also stories circulating about the potential merger of Soudal Quick-Step and rumors regarding his supposed transfer to INEOS Grenadiers. “I have to admit that I listened too much to the stories.”
In an interview with the leading Belgian newspaper, Het Nieuwsblad, Evenepoel exposes his vulnerability while reflecting on the past months.
“I was involved in the story.
“Surely, it was a challenge, but now everyone is looking forward to the next season. We are all ready to support each other. I was involved in the story, something I didn’t seek or ask for. I simply had to deal with everything.
“After I abandoned the Giro d’Italia with Covid, everything got a bit crazy. I confess I heard many stories. So, I lost a bit of my self-confidence.”
“I was surprised by some details from the outside world. Things that often weren’t even accurate. It was a tough period for our team, but now we are looking to the future.”
Extra energy for 2024
Evenepoel reveals he is rejuvenated, thanks to a slightly longer rest period in the winter months. “I took two extra weeks of vacation. I started again at the end of November, but I also stopped on October 15. The rest did me good; I managed to forget everything. This break did small wonders to my body.”
“I can give myself another chance on the bike. I have an energy that I haven’t felt in a long time. Knowing that I am finally going to the Tour de France motivates me to give a hundred percent in my training and my diet.”
Check out the interview: