“Who is to say that Pogacar will keep up his 2024 level?” “He too can fall or get sick”—Patrick Evenepoel still believes Remco can win the Tour de France.

People in Belgium have been looking for a new Maillot Jaune since Lucien Van Impe won the Tour de France in 1976. Since then, Remco Evenepoel, coach of Soudal-Quick-Step, has looked like the most likely person to win.

After placing third on his first race earlier this year, Evenepoel was looking forward to a long winter of training to close the gap on Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, who have been 1-2 in the Tour de France for the past few years. Unfortunately, a training accident earlier this month has harmed these plans. Evenepoel was hospitalized and could be out of commission for up to eight weeks. But Patrick, the 24-year-old’s father, doesn’t think all hope is lost.

“In the Tour, the difference was nine minutes, but preparations were messed up.” “If Remco can cut that in half next season, that will give us more perspective for the years to come,” Patrick Evenepoel told Knack. “Who says Pogacar will keep up the level he was at in 2024?” He can also trip and fall or get sick.

Evenepoel also has time on his side. He might not have won the Maillot Jaune on his first Tour de France this year, but the leader of Soudal – Quick-Step did win the White Jersey for Best Young Rider. “Don’t forget that Remco will only be 25 years old at the end of January,” ends his father. “He still has time.” He only needs to win the Tour once, right? Not five times. It won’t be because of what drives him.