Two-time world champion Remco Evenepoel is set for a return to racing in June following a severe crash in Spain during the Tour of Basque Country, where he suffered a broken collarbone and shoulder blade. The Belgian cyclist required surgery due to the injuries sustained while descending, but he is optimistic about his recovery and upcoming competitions.
Evenepoel, in a broadcast interview by his team Soudal–Quick-Step, outlined his rehabilitation plans which include high-altitude training ahead of his planned competitive comeback. He aims to return at the Critérium du Dauphiné in France from June 2-9, or possibly the following week at the Tour de Suisse.
Looking ahead, Evenepoel is set to make his debut in the Tour de France on June 29, followed by competing in both the time trial and road race events at the Paris Olympics, scheduled for consecutive Saturdays — July 27 and August 3. Reflecting on the upcoming challenges, he noted, “It’s going to be something special. Especially the Tour,” acknowledging the logistical ease of competing in France for both the Tour and the Olympics compared to the travel demands associated with the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Evenepoel also shared insights from his recent downtime, which coincided with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, allowing him quality time with his wife, Oumi Rayane, and her family. He remarked on the timing of his injury, considering it fortunate in the broader scope of his season’s ambitions. “That was a very beautiful day,” he commented on the family celebrations, adding, “It’s better to have the injury now than in a couple of weeks. It’s a bit of luck in my bad luck.”
The recovery and anticipated return of Evenepoel are closely watched as he aims to add Tour de France and Olympic successes to his impressive palmarès, which includes victories in the time trial world championship last year and the road race in 2022. His previous performances at the Olympics in Japan, where he placed ninth in the time trial, underscore his potential to excel in this year’s events in Paris.
Main photo credit: Getty
