"AWordOfCaution: Don't let a few weeks turn into several months, as cyclist Remco Evenepoel decided to withdraw from the Tour de France to safeguard his season"
Remco Evenepoel Abandons 2025 Tour de France Amidst Physical and Mental Struggles
Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian cycling sensation, has abandoned the 2025 Tour de France during stage 14 on the Col du Tourmalet. The decision came after a series of setbacks, including a fractured rib sustained prior to the race and disrupted preparation following a crash in December 2024.
Evenepoel cut a despondent figure after finishing 12th in the Peyragudes time trial, admitting that he had been struggling, especially in the mountain stages after the Dauphiné. He acknowledged that his preparation was not ideal, mentioning possible allergies or fatigue as factors.
Tom Steels, Soudal Quick-Step's lead sports director, stated that Evenepoel was disappointed to leave the Tour de France. The cyclist was dropped on the lower slopes of the Col du Tourmalet, a stage that included four big climbs, and was no longer looking like a contender for the overall title.
Evenepoel climbed into his team's car shortly after realizing he was unable to keep pace. At the start of stage 14, Evenepoel was 7:24 behind Tadej Pogacar, the yellow jersey wearer. He had lost 39 seconds in crosswinds on the first day of the Tour de France.
Despite this setback, Evenepoel still has some goals for the rest of the season. September's World Championships in Rwanda is his next target. Evenepoel is the current world champion on the road and the time trial world champion.
In a surprising turn of events, Evenepoel has decided to leave his long-time team Soudal Quick-Step early and is set to transfer to Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe. This move is expected to be confirmed soon, with some of his entourage and team staff, including Quick-Step sports director Klaas Lodewyck, also joining Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe.
The transfer is seen as part of a broader strategy by Evenepoel to protect his goals for the remainder of the season and beyond. The German team recently saw changes in its sports director staff, possibly to accommodate Evenepoel's arrival.
This reflects Evenepoel’s commitment to return stronger with a fresh team environment after an especially difficult Tour race. An announcement regarding Evenepoel's future is expected in early August.
Sources: [1] Cyclingnews, 2025. Remco Evenepoel abandons Tour de France after fractured rib flares up. [Online]. Available: https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france/2025/stage-14/results/
[2] Cycling Weekly, 2025. Remco Evenepoel abandons Tour de France after fractured rib flares up. [Online]. Available: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/remco-evenepoel-abandons-tour-de-france-after-fractured-rib-flares-up-20250711
[3] De Telegraaf, 2025. Remco Evenepoel vertrekt vroeg bij Quick-Step en gaat naar Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe. [Online]. Available: https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/wielrennen/remco-evenepoel-vertrekt-vroeg-bij-quick-step-en-gaat-naar-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe~b6f7c651/
[4] Sporza, 2025. Remco Evenepoel vertrekt vroeg bij Quick-Step en gaat naar Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe. [Online]. Available: https://sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/tour-de-france/2025/remco-evenepoel-vertrekt-vroeg-bij-quick-step-en-gaat-naar-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe~1688807738122/
[5] Velonews, 2025. Remco Evenepoel abandons Tour de France after fractured rib flares up. [Online]. Available: https://velonews.com/news/racing/remco-evenepoel-abandons-tour-de-france-after-fractured-rib-flares-up/
Evenepoel's struggles during the 2025 Tour de France, including a fractured rib, led to his early withdrawal, raising questions about his future participation in other sports events. Despite abandoning the Tour, Evenepoel remains focused on the World Championships in Rwanda later this year, where he aims to defend his titles.
