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Remco Evenepoel is taking an unprecedented 69 days off from racing before the Tour de France, a move that has raised eyebrows in the cycling world. This decision is strategic, aiming to have him "completely fresh" for the grueling competition starting July 4 in Barcelona.
Evenepoel last competed at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, finishing third, and is now deep into a three-week altitude training camp in Sierra Nevada. He trains alongside his team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, with support from a trainer, nutritionist, osteopath, and team doctor. Notably, rivals Tadej Pogačar and Paul Seixas are also at the same camp, but they are preparing for races in June.
Sports director Patxi Vila emphasizes that Evenepoel can achieve peak performance without prior races, allowing him to approach the Tour in optimal shape. By avoiding the Belgian National Championships, where he is the current time trial champion, the team aims to maintain control over his preparation and workload.
With a fresh mindset and high motivation, Evenepoel is set to tackle his first Tour de France with confidence. The meticulous planning aims to ensure he arrives in Barcelona not just ready, but in prime condition for the challenge ahead.
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