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

[Extinction]

He’s said “podium and stages” before his last two GT’s. Dont think it has anything to do with his competition.

Yea, but he's coming in as the defending champion and he doesn't say I'm here to defend my title. That's noteworthy in my book. Of course, this doesn't mean he's out of contention, but it does speak of extra caution in the declarations. My point is that I think without the addition of Vingegaard, he'd be saying categorically he goes to try for a second win (even if now, until no longer possible, he'll try just that). But he doesn't say so.

 

[Lequack]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1694983707558305965

View: https://twitter.com/OdvartJames/status/1694983707558305965

 

[red_flanders]

Yea, but he's coming in as the defending champion and he doesn't say I'm here to defend my title. That's noteworthy in my book. Of course, this doesn't mean he's out of contention, but it does speak of extra caution in the declarations. My point is that I think without the addition of Vingegaard, he'd be saying categorically he goes to try for a second win (even if now, until no longer possible, he'll try just that). But he doesn't say so.

This is speculation which goes against past behavior. I think you’re seeing something that simply isn’t there.

 

[Extinction]

This is speculation which goes against past behavior. I think you’re seeing something that simply isn’t there.

What am I seeing that isn't there? He did not say he's showing up to defend his title. One might say that's a given, but it's odd he doesn't state so. Whatever he's proclaimed in the past is irrelevant, in my book, because before he had not yet won a GT. Now he's earned the right to say he comes to fight for victory without drama. There's nothing brazen nor sensational about it.

Hell, that's what you'd expect the last winner to announce before the grand start. I can thus only imagine the addition of Vingegaard (with Roglic in top shape, without incident affecting his preparation), has led to the public downplaying of his ambitions. And I'm not saying this to denigrate the new WCTT champ and incoming Vuelta defendant, but because he must realize that he faces the toughest challenge of his young career thus far, which is normal given the pressence of such "crazy guys".

 

[Bonimenier]

He did not say he's showing up to defend his title.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1678397012054614018

 

[Extinction]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1678397012054614018

Allright, fair enough, I never saw that one. However, in fairness, that was on 10 July, before, that is, Vingegaard announced he'd be taking on the Vuelta too (and certainly not just to show up). Evenepoel's recent statements have interestingly changed tune. So your correction unwittingly seems to provide proof of the validity of what I'm suggesting, as it certainly is no coincidence that he has since not said he comes to win, but speaks with more caution to tone down expectations. Now it's I go for the podium, even to win multiple stages.

 

[Bolder]

I actually like the low-key Remco. The spotlight seems to be on TJV's 2 leaders, which can only help take some of the pressure off him. I'm in the minority, I think, in that I don't see him as a GC monster. Any GC he wins is a bonus on his palmares. That said, if he defends his Vuelta title against THIS field...legend status.

 

[theyoungest]

I actually like the low-key Remco. The spotlight seems to be on TJV's 2 leaders, which can only help take some of the pressure off him. I'm in the minority, I think, in that I don't see him as a GC monster. Any GC he wins is a bonus on his palmares. That said, if he defends his Vuelta title against THIS field...legend status.

Is it though, really? This race is probably followed with more interest in Belgium than it is in Denmark or Slovenia. Vingegaard has won the Tour, his season is a success. If he crashes out on the second stage, well, too bad. Evenepoel has a little more to prove.

 

[Extinction]

Is it though, really? This race is probably followed with more interest in Belgium than it is in Denmark or Slovenia. Vingegaard has won the Tour, his season is a success. If he crashes out on the second stage, well, too bad. Evenepoel has a little more to prove.

Evenepoel does not have to prove anything, just focus on his performance. If he must "prove" something it's at the Tour. If I were his coach, I'd tell him to concentrate on the task at hand, be ready to descend into the depths of hell and fight to come back again with honor. Tight lips, stoic outlook and strong legs. Everything else is salt in his sack.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Remco is not a seasoned stage racer with a bag full of trophies just yet. Hence in my opinion he still has some proving left to do. Starting at this Vuelta. Especially as he is the defending champion. I personally admire his decision to (try to) defend the title and not to give it away without a fight.

 

[red_flanders]

What am I seeing that isn't there? He did not say he's showing up to defend his title. One might say that's a given, but it's odd he doesn't state so. Whatever he's proclaimed in the past is irrelevant, in my book, because before he had not yet won a GT. Now he's earned the right to say he comes to fight for victory without drama. There's nothing brazen nor sensational about it.

Hell, that's what you'd expect the last winner to announce before the grand start. I can thus only imagine the addition of Vingegaard (with Roglic in top shape, without incident affecting his preparation), has led to the public downplaying of his ambitions. And I'm not saying this to denigrate the new WCTT champ and incoming Vuelta defendant, but because he must realize that he faces the toughest challenge of his young career thus far, which is normal given the pressence of such "crazy guys".

“Extra caution”. He said the same thing before the Giro. And yes, he had won a GT.

But I’ll admit it’s a silly thing to debate so I’ll leave it there.

 

[Extinction]

Remco is not a seasoned stage racer with a bag full of trophies just yet. Hence in my opinion he still has some proving left to do. Starting at this Vuelta. Especially as he is the defending champion. I personally admire his decision to (try to) defend the title and not to give it away without a fig

“Extra caution”. He said the same thing before the Giro. And yes, he had won a GT.

But I’ll admit it’s a silly thing to debate so I’ll leave it there.

But the Giro he had not won. The Vuelta is different for the reigning champion; and it was a surprise that the Tour victor decide to show up. The philosophy of SQS seems to have been, following Merckx's trajectory, win the Giro first (that failed twice and the Vuelta came as an afterthought the first time, possibly with Bruyneel's imput, who knows?) and then tackle the Tour, without having to face the Tour champion. Hence his non-commitment on winning this Vuelta, must be bound to the Tour, its champion and what this potentially implies for the difficulty in winning.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Giro, Vuelta, Giro and Tour strategy is reasonable if you ask me. For such a young rider. No need to drown him at the Tour. Like all the time.

 

[Ripper]

Evenepoel does not have to prove anything, just focus on his performance. If he must "prove" something it's at the Tour. If I were his coach, I'd tell him to concentrate on the task at hand, be ready to descend into the depths of hell and fight to come back again with honor. Tight lips, stoic outlook and strong legs. Everything else is salt in his sack.

I think I read in an interview somewhere that with the Belgian press, Evenepoel is always having to prove himself

 

[peterfin]

But the Giro he had not won. The Vuelta is different for the reigning champion; and it was a surprise that the Tour victor decide to show up. The philosophy of SQS seems to have been, following Merckx's trajectory, win the Giro first (that failed twice and the Vuelta came as an afterthought the first time, possibly with Bruyneel's imput, who knows?) and then tackle the Tour, without having to face the Tour champion. Hence his non-commitment on winning this Vuelta, must be bound to the Tour, its champion and what this potentially implies for the difficulty in winning.

Be aware that Remco changed his approach regarding answering questions that are about his future performance. As he said in that LR interview, he has learned to be more reserved because his words are seen as arrogant, especially if the media quotes his words without context. He is right of course. We know it doesn't matter if he wins or not, if he says he goes for the title he will be labeled as arrogant. What we also know is that he always goes for the title and never settles for 2nd or 3rd during a race. He will do everything within his capabilities to defend his title.

 

[Extinction]

I think I read in an interview somewhere that with the Belgian press, Evenepoel is always having to prove himself

Of course, but he must think like Marcus Aurelius, who wrote: "Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason (legs) which today arm you against the present."

 

[Extinction]

Be aware that Remco changed his approach regarding answering questions that are about his future performance. As he said in that LR interview, he has learned to be more reserved because his words are seen as arrogant, especially if the media quotes his words without context. He is right of course. We know it doesn't matter if he wins or not, if he says he goes for the title he will be labeled as arrogant. What we also know is that he always goes for the title and never settles for 2nd or 3rd during a race. He will do everything within his capabilities to defend his title.

Well that didn't prevent him from declaring on 10 July that he intends to return to the Vuelta to win (see up thread), only to tone it down a bit after Vingegaard said he's participating. It's rightly a show of respect, after the stratospheric level the Dane showed in France. The point is he should not worry about saying he comes to win, just focus on the task at hand, with full knowledge it implies the harrowing of Hell.

 

[Berniece]

Well that didn't prevent him from declaring on 10 July that he intends to return to the Vuelta to win (see up thread), only to tone it down a bit after Vingegaard said he's participating. It's rightly a show of respect, after the stratospheric level the Dane showed in France. The point is he should not worry about saying he comes to win, just focus on the task at hand, with full knowledge it implies the harrowing of Hell.

It’s also because he wants to temper expectations and get some weight of his shoulders.

 

[Riek s]

I think Remco is fully aware he doesn't have his Giro peak now nor his ideal weight. (I think most riders who compete are in a somewhat similar situation). Considering he up against two of the world best GT riders who are in the same team supported by a 3rd rider who is about equal to every other favorite on climbs... I think holding back a bit in your statements about your own chances are expected. (if he can keep the pressure of from and him and more importantly his team he should do it).

Remco has a lot to learn in terms of GC, mostly because he is in team that also needs to learn a lot about riding for GC. We can only hope his team stacks up during the vuelta, because in terms of looking at all the top 5 candidates, his team is lacking a bit.

 

[houtdffan]

But the Giro he had not won. The Vuelta is different for the reigning champion; and it was a surprise that the Tour victor decide to show up. The philosophy of SQS seems to have been, following Merckx's trajectory, win the Giro first (that failed twice and the Vuelta came as an afterthought the first time, possibly with Bruyneel's imput, who knows?) and then tackle the Tour, without having to face the Tour champion. Hence his non-commitment on winning this Vuelta, must be bound to the Tour, its champion and what this potentially implies for the difficulty in winning.

what is Evenepoel doing working with Bryuneel, who is suspended for life?

 

[Extinction]

what is Evenepoel doing working with Bryuneel, who is suspended for life?

Who said he's working with Bruyneel? The point is Johan's banned from the sport, but that doesn't mean his voice goes unheard in Belgium.

 

[Berniece]

Who said he's working with Bruyneel? The point is he's banned from the sport, but that doesn't mean his voice goes unheard in Belgium.

Indeed, if he says something on the Armstrong podcast some Belgian newspapers will publish an article about it

 

[Extinction]

Indeed, if he says something on the Armstrong podcast some Belgian newspapers will publish an article about it

From a strategic and tactical standpoint, all doping issues aside (which has nothing to do with these considerations), you'd be stupid not to listen to an expert's input, which clearly he makes.

 

[Extinction]

So it's official, Mas says Roglic is in pole position to win this Vuelta, that he's in better shape than Remco and Jonas.

 

[topcat]

So it's official, Mas says Roglic is in pole position to win this Vuelta, that he's in better shape than Remco and Jonas.

What could go wrong?