"Motivated by the prospect of advancement, Remco Evenepoel prepares for Tour de Romandie on his brand-new gold bicycle, though he downplays potential outcomes."
Remco Evenepoel, the Olympic time trial champion, is set to ride a golden bike in the prologue and final stage of the Tour de Romandie, which commences today at 15:13 CET. The Belgian cyclist, however, has played down expectations for the Tour de Romandie, considering the short time trial today a lottery.
Evenepoel's return to racing this season was in mid-April, following a major crash in December that resulted in a year of setbacks. Despite these challenges, the 23-year-old has demonstrated remarkable resilience, showing strong form in several time trials this season, including victories at the Tour de Romandie, Critérium du Dauphiné, and the Belgian National Championships.
The penultimate stage of the Tour de Romandie is a technical time trial over 20 kilometers, featuring more than 4,000 meters of vertical ascent. This stage, with its many straight lines and a climb without a dangerous descent, presents an important test for Evenepoel, who finds motivation in his new golden time trial bike and rainbow jersey.
The cyclist, known for his daring approach in the bends, believes that the one who dares to take risks in the bends usually wins short time trials. However, Evenepoel admitted that repeatedly sprinting out of corners is not easy for him.
Joining Evenepoel in the Tour de Romandie are several GC contenders, including João Almeida (UAE-Team Emirates-XRG), Carlos Rodríguez (Ineos Grenadiers), and Alexandr Vlasov (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe).
Evenepoel, who was once the favourite for the Tour de Romandie nine months ago, now sees the event as an opportunity to test his legs ahead of his preparations for the Tour de France. Despite the lower expectations, the cyclist remains optimistic about his performance in the penultimate stage.
[1] Evenepoel's impressive climb of the Col de la Loze during reconnaissance for the 2025 Tour de France indicates his significant recovery and fitness level. [2] Evenepoel has won several time trials this season, including at the Tour de Romandie, Critérium du Dauphiné, and the Belgian National Championships, showing he has regained top form since his crash. [3] His 2025 season results highlight his return as a top contender, focusing on winning the Tour de France, building on his 2024 podium finish. [4] Sources: Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, VeloNews.
- Remco Evenepoel, who has regained top form in several time trials this season, including victories at the Tour de Romandie, Critérium du Dauphiné, and the Belgian National Championships, is set to compete in sports like cycling with a golden bike in the prologue and final stage of the Tour de Romandie.
- Evenepoel, who was once a top contender and even the favourite for the Tour de Romandie nine months ago, is now using the event as an opportunity to test his legs ahead of his preparations for the Tour de France, indicating his continued dedication to sports like cycling.
