Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread

[Netserk]

This is the most annoying thread ever.

Improve it. Or at least don't worsen it.

Damn I was thinking I was a prominent figure in the hate brigade but I just can't keep up when we're starting to do armchair diagnoses of personality disorders.

No one mentioned any personality disorders as far as I can see.

While I think it's mostly harmless to wonder if Evenepoel has an autism spectrum disorder, I would be cautious and quite wary to speculate too much about it at such a distance (it'd be different if it was publicly known).

EDIT: An additional point: while I'm well aware that it can be motivated by "hate" and that it carries stigma, I don't think there's anything inherently evil or bad about wondering if a person has a psychiatric disorder, no more than wondering if they have diabetes. Psychiatric and somatic conditions are quite equivalent in that regard, I think.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

Lefevere ziet Evenepoel demonstreren: "Zelfde Remco als voor zijn val" | sporza

Remco Evenepoel zette het peloton gisteren op 1'29". Een demonstratie van de jonge wolf van Deceuninck-Quick Step. Ploegbaas Lefevere was erg tevreden met de prestatie van zijn poulain en pareert de kritiek op de daalkunsten van Evenepoel.

sporza.be

Google translated:

https://translate.google.com/transl...zelfde-remco-als-voor-zijn-val~1628859249330/

 

[Netserk]

Lefevere ziet Evenepoel demonstreren: "Zelfde Remco als voor zijn val" | sporza

Remco Evenepoel zette het peloton gisteren op 1'29". Een demonstratie van de jonge wolf van Deceuninck-Quick Step. Ploegbaas Lefevere was erg tevreden met de prestatie van zijn poulain en pareert de kritiek op de daalkunsten van Evenepoel.

sporza.be

Google translated:

https://translate.google.com/transl...zelfde-remco-als-voor-zijn-val~1628859249330/

Lefevere on the gesture at the finish line:
"If you win you can do whatever you want. And whoever blames him for that, too bad for them. Everyone has an opinion about Remco. You are for or against him. He also has opponents, so that gesture was probably aimed at them."

I wonder, did Lefevere ever criticise Sagan for his goofy celebrations?

 

[Red Rick]

I don't even really care about the celebration, I just think it's a bit funny considering the stakes of the race.

 

[18-Valve. (pithy)]

What stood out to me was Lefevere's comment about Evenepoel's descending not being a major issue, in part because De La Cruz was much worse back in the day, while Evenepoel "does not get dropped" on descents.

But the descent skills of Evenepoel can still be improved a bit, something Lefevere is also aware of. "That takes getting used to. We will do something about it in the winter. Maybe he will get better, maybe not. But we will at least try."

"How? We are going to consult people who can do that very well. I remember De La Cruz a few years ago. He was released every descent. Much worse than Remco, he is not released."

"Tom Boonen told De La Cruz to follow him for a few days on the descent. You saw his descent capabilities improve rapidly. That way you pick up morale, and then you get confidence in that cornering again. It will get better."


Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me, but I think that's exactly what happened in the Giro. He got gapped on at least one (non-sterrato) descent.

We haven't seen too much since. The Fuji descent was non-technical ...and was soft-pedaled. No other meaningful descents since Tokyo (or in the Belgium Tour)

I don't want him to crash. Think it's a bit much to send him to Lombardia, seeing as it looks like he has the legs to get a result. Meaning he'll probably take risks to stay with the best riders.

 

[Netserk]

What stood out to me was Lefevere's comment about Evenepoel's descending not being a major issue, in part because De La Cruz was much worse back in the day, while Evenepoel "does not get dropped" on descents.

But the descent skills of Evenepoel can still be improved a bit, something Lefevere is also aware of. "That takes getting used to. We will do something about it in the winter. Maybe he will get better, maybe not. But we will at least try."

"How? We are going to consult people who can do that very well. I remember De La Cruz a few years ago. He was released every descent. Much worse than Remco, he is not released."

"Tom Boonen told De La Cruz to follow him for a few days on the descent. You saw his descent capabilities improve rapidly. That way you pick up morale, and then you get confidence in that cornering again. It will get better."


Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me, but I think that's exactly what happened in the Giro. He got gapped on at least one (non-sterrato) descent.

We haven't seen too much since. The Fuji descent was non-technical ...and was soft-pedaled. No other meaningful descents since Tokyo (or in the Belgium Tour)

I don't want him to crash. Think it's a bit much to send him to Lombardia, seeing as it looks like he has the legs to get a result. Meaning he'll probably take risks to stay with the best riders.

Agreed, the main issue he has is not being overly cautious and going slow, it's making mistakes that either make him crash or slows him down significantly when they happen. So quite a different issue than DdlC's.

 

[Panda Claws]

His celebrations are just going to get whomever he feels the need to 'silence' (I suppose the critics in the media and online) more riled up imo. He has shown that you can get a reaction out of him. At this point you might as well keep going and turn the gesture into your standard celebration (e.g. Contador's pistol shot).

 

[Red Rick]

What stood out to me was Lefevere's comment about Evenepoel's descending not being a major issue, in part because De La Cruz was much worse back in the day, while Evenepoel "does not get dropped" on descents.

But the descent skills of Evenepoel can still be improved a bit, something Lefevere is also aware of. "That takes getting used to. We will do something about it in the winter. Maybe he will get better, maybe not. But we will at least try."

"How? We are going to consult people who can do that very well. I remember De La Cruz a few years ago. He was released every descent. Much worse than Remco, he is not released."

"Tom Boonen told De La Cruz to follow him for a few days on the descent. You saw his descent capabilities improve rapidly. That way you pick up morale, and then you get confidence in that cornering again. It will get better."


Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me, but I think that's exactly what happened in the Giro. He got gapped on at least one (non-sterrato) descent.

We haven't seen too much since. The Fuji descent was non-technical ...and was soft-pedaled. No other meaningful descents since Tokyo (or in the Belgium Tour)

I don't want him to crash. Think it's a bit much to send him to Lombardia, seeing as it looks like he has the legs to get a result. Meaning he'll probably take risks to stay with the best riders.

He literally got dropped/crashed on a descent 3 times in the Giro. It's only not a problem if you want him to be a stage hunter on Unipublic style stages.

Meanwhile for me the really weird thing is how after the Olympics it was a wasted season and now he's back into his old shape yet when the 2 results that happened aren't even indicative of really much changing.

 

[hayneplane]

He literally got dropped/crashed on a descent 3 times in the Giro. It's only not a problem if you want him to be a stage hunter on Unipublic style stages.

Meanwhile for me the really weird thing is how after the Olympics it was a wasted season and now he's back into his old shape yet when the 2 results that happened aren't even indicative of really much changing.

There is still over a quarter of the season remaining with a lot of major races that can define your season. Far too early to write it off as wasted.

Agree he got dropped going downhill on several different stages although other than the sterrato I think most would agree that his issues occurred after he was already running on fumes.

Lombardia yes or no is a tricky decision given he is again in the shape to be there in the final group.
The tipping factor for me is whether it is more important psychologically for him to revisit his crash and ride the course at race pace or wiser to hold back from that this year until more technical training has been done. That can only realistically be evaluated by coaches and psychologists with close contact to Remco.

 

[Netserk]

There is still over a quarter of the season remaining with a lot of major races that can define your season. Far too early to write it off as wasted.

Agree he got dropped going downhill on several different stages although other than the sterrato I think most would agree that his issues occurred after he was already running on fumes.

Lombardia yes or no is a tricky decision given he is again in the shape to be there in the final group.
The tipping factor for me is whether it is more important psychologically for him to revisit his crash and ride the course at race pace or wiser to hold back from that this year until more technical training has been done. That can only realistically be evaluated by coaches and psychologists with close contact to Remco.

They are not doing that descent this year, the finish will be in Bergamo.

 

[Red Rick]

There is still over a quarter of the season remaining with a lot of major races that can define your season. Far too early to write it off as wasted.

Agree he got dropped going downhill on several different stages although other than the sterrato I think most would agree that his issues occurred after he was already running on fumes.

Lombardia yes or no is a tricky decision given he is again in the shape to be there in the final group.
The tipping factor for me is whether it is more important psychologically for him to revisit his crash and ride the course at race pace or wiser to hold back from that this year until more technical training has been done. That can only realistically be evaluated by coaches and psychologists with close contact to Remco.

Lombarida finishes in Bergamo this year, so no Sormano > Civiglio

 

[hayneplane]

Lombarida finishes in Bergamo this year, so no Sormano > Civiglio

Was not aware of that but it is still the same race and same high status.

@Netserk @Red Rick would your view be that the 2021 route is harder, easier or broadly similar level as the 2020 route.

 

[roundabout]

I am not them, but I think the route will be unveiled only sometime early next month

 

[Netserk]

It's a shame that the more fitting reaction (laughing at your own post) isn't an option, Red Rick

@hayneplane The exact route will be announced next month.

 

[Zoef-Lightning]

Yup the camera crew is there anyway. ..Special episode on Belgian tv next week: Remco wins monumental cycling race, he is officially better than Eddy Merckx

(his win was breaking news on belgian news apps)

But my comment goes further than just a win. I sincerely think it would do Remco immensely good to just be away from the press and all of that. Around people that not kiss the ground he walks on.

Because now expectations are again all high up again.…

But we will see, glad he put Lefevre in his place. Who said that we wont see anything of Remco this season?

I notice to my astonishment the total lack of psychology by a number of writers here. It's clear that Lefevere has been psychologically working on Evenepoel for the last months, and especially since the Giro. Initially by protecting Evenepoel from a lot of idiotic critics. Recently by stimulating him with some statements. And now you can already see the first results. That's why Lefevere is the best manager in the world, and used to be the best team director. To the annoyance of the vinegar seekers and frustrated would be cycling experts.

 

[Zoef-Lightning]

The king of small stage races that no one cares about is back, beating superstars Van der Sande and Van der Lijke in the process.

Just kidding, wonderful performance today! So happy to see him back doing what he does best.

What a stupid and mean comment !
Step by step Evenepoel returns to his old level. First, by winning small stage races. This will probably be the second victory in a small stage race since the disappointing Giro. He will have won four or five victories by saturday. A lot better than most superstars this season.
I am convinced that in 2022 he will return to the level of 2020. He will have lost a year, also in his development. But in the long run, this doesn't have to be a negative.

 

[Zoef-Lightning]

He tried living in Monaco when he became pro, but was soon back at home with mum and dad.

Ok he was very young then, but I think now could be a better time to try. People/media have a Remco obsession here. Everything little thing he does makes the news.

I think he is a great talent but his attitude is not amazing. And Lefevre won't help much with that I am sure.

If Remco understands he still has a lot to learn and learn some humbleness, he could really become a legend. He has the talent.

He never lived in Monaco. Once again proof that you don't know much about cycling. Before his win in San Sebastian there was once a plan to go to Monaco. But the disadvantages far outweighed the advantages, especially given his extremely young age at the time.

 

[Zoef-Lightning]

He literally got dropped/crashed on a descent 3 times in the Giro. It's only not a problem if you want him to be a stage hunter on Unipublic style stages.

Meanwhile for me the really weird thing is how after the Olympics it was a wasted season and now he's back into his old shape yet when the 2 results that happened aren't even indicative of really much changing.

A combination of not being in top condition yet and not having raced since the Belgian championship was probably the reason for his underperforming at the olympic games. He's not at his peak level yet, but soon he will probably do the same as in Denmark, but against top riders. In that sort of short stage races and hilly one-day races. Whether he can compete for the podium in a grand tour, we will only see next season .

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

I notice to my astonishment the total lack of psychology by a number of writers here. It's clear that Lefevere has been psychologically working on Evenepoel for the last months, and especially since the Giro. Initially by protecting Evenepoel from a lot of idiotic critics. Recently by stimulating him with some statements. And now you can already see the first results. That's why Lefevere is the best manager in the world, and used to be the best team director. To the annoyance of the vinegar seekers and frustrated would be cycling experts.

And you accuse me of not knowing much about cycling?

When you write this comment? Sure…

And I will correct my post:
he THOUGHT about moving to Monaco but was back to mum and dad before the plane left…

Which I think is totally ok. He was very young at the point and still is.

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

A combination of not being in top condition yet and not having raced since the Belgian championship was probably the reason for his underperforming at the olympic games. He's not at his peak level yet, but soon he will probably do the same as in Denmark, but against top riders. In that sort of short stage races and hilly one-day races. Whether he can compete for the podium in a grand tour, we will only see next season .

Yup, cannot wait to see Remco lap Pogacar, Van Aert, Vanderpoel etc at the worlds

 

[Zoef-Lightning]

And you accuse me of not knowing much about cycling?

When you write this comment? Sure…

And I will correct my post:
he THOUGHT about moving to Monaco but was back to mum and dad before the plane left…

Which I think is totally ok. He was very young at the point and still is.

Then why are you writing such crap? You were totally wrong. To correct your post afterwards.... Think twice before writing such untruths.
And can you also respond with arguments why Lefevere would not be the best cycling manager in the world. Regardless of whether or not you would find that a sympathetic man.

 

[Zoef-Lightning]

Yup, cannot wait to see Remco lap Pogacar, Van Aert, Vanderpoel etc at the worlds

At world championships that won't work, because the laps are much longer

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

Then why are you writing such crap? You were totally wrong. To correct your post afterwards.... Think twice before writing such untruths.
And can you also respond with arguments why Lefevere would not be the best cycling manager in the world. Regardless of whether or not you would find that a sympathetic man.

Sam Bennett and Almeida will tell you what a good manager he was for them…

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

At world championships that won't work, because the laps are much longer

Are you sure? Remco will be in superform by then…

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

Sam Bennett and Almeida will tell you what a good manager he was for them…

And there is much more that makes DQS a succesful team. The riders, the staff. I would even say Lefevre is often a weak link in that team with his ridiculous twitter and column rants.