Remco Evenepoel: I need to improve to challenge Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic, Egan Bernal at Grand Tours
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Published 18/10/2021 at 17:24 GMT
Remco Evenepoel is one of the brightest young riders in cycling, but can he challenge for victories at the Grand Tours in 2022? The 21-year-old only rode the Giro d'Italia this year, dropping out after Stage 17, and says he needs to put in some work over the winter if he is going to get himself into contention.
Remco Evenepoel wins a rain-soaked Coppa Bernocchi
Image credit: Getty Images
Remco Evenepoel admits he needs to find another gear in 2022 if he wants to challenge Tadej Pogacar, Egan Bernal, and Primoz Roglic at the Grand Tours.
Evenepoel, 21, made his Grand Tour debut earlier this season at the Giro d’Italia, having been out of action for nine months recovering from an injury he suffered at Il Lombardia in 2020.
He has made an impressive comeback this year, winning the Belgium Tour, Tour of Denmark and Coppa Bernocchi, and claiming a few stage victories.
However, he says he is hoping to take another step after the winter break.
“I returned to the level of the best, to an excellent level, but not yet what we wanted and hoped for with the team," he told La Derniere Heure.
"We know that I have the possibility to be doing better but we still need a little patience. The time will come, for sure. You need to have the legs, know how to choose the moment and spend a winter without problems.
"But I still have some steps to take before I can challenge Pogacar, Bernal, and Roglic, and above all be able to beat them. I hope it will be the case as of next season."
Evenepoel showed some encouraging signs at the Giro as he was second overall at one stage before dropping out in the mountains.
He also looked strong at the recent Road World Championships in Flanders, but is ready now for some time off.
"I am happy to go on vacation," he said. "It will do me a lot of good, physically and mentally. I need it because I have been working tirelessly for a year and a half – since the crash but even before that."
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