The cycling season has only just started with the Tour Down Under, but fans and athletes are already talking about the prestigious Tour de France. With over 91 days still to go for the first stage, one would assume the buzz wouldn’t be too high. But this season brings to the fore several moments that could go down in history.
The most anticipated out of them all is the debut of Belgian cyclist and multiple WorldTour winner, Remco Evenepoel’s Tour de France debut. The 24-year-old cyclist may be young, but he already boasts of a stellar career with multiple tour victories to his name. He now has his sights on cycling’s most historic track, where if conquered makes the athlete immortal in the hearts and minds.
Remco excited to make his Tour de France debut
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It is quite evident why there is such a massive buzz surrounding this year’s Tour de France. For the 2024 season, Remco will be facing off against cyclists who know exactly what it takes to win a Tour de France. He will be sharing the track and competing for glory against the likes of Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič.
Given the award of Belgian Sportsman of the Year for his 2023 performance, Remco will walk into this season with an uncluttered mind and firm resolve. This is important for him, considering that his opponents have eight Grand Tour wins between them. This year’s Tour de France also spells the start of a new beginning, with the first stage all set to be held in Florence, Italy.
At just 24, he already boasts of an envious record; 2 times world champion, GrandTour winner. Judging by his interview before the start of the season, he is extremely confident of putting in an amazing performance. With the Olympics and Tour de France both lined up in the same month, Remco is leaving no stone unturned to achieve his goals.
Speaking to the media at a team presentation last month, he said, “I’m super motivated to do every training to the detail – not 10 minutes less or 10 minutes more – just everything to the detail. Because I’m so excited to start the Tour.”
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A stage at the Tour de France and at least two podiums in the prestigious Olympics is what he has his eyes set on. Every fan will be watching his progress in the season with great interest.
2024 is the year of promise
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If 2024 is the season full of promises, 2023 for Remco Evenepoel was a rollercoaster ride. Rumours about him terminating his contract with Soudal-Quickstep flooded the market, courtesy of his father, who was also his agent. It came after he expressed doubts on Quickstep’s ability to make a Tour de France bid. However, Evenepoel quashed those rumours when he said, “The team continues, so I will stay.” He continued, “There were a few difficult moments, but next year we’ll go for it.”
Apart from that, after he tested positive for Covid-19 during Giro, there were accusations of him faking the illness. During the Spanish Vuelta, talks of his team getting bought by Visma. He admitted to paying great attention to the things said in the media last season, but is in a secure headspace now.
In just five seasons, the Belgian has gone from a rookie cyclist to an athlete that can compete with the elites of sports. If he manages to do to the unthinkable and grab multiple stage wins or a podium at Tour de France, the world is his for the taking. “It’s a new kind of energy that I haven’t felt for quite a long time. It’s only going to be a good thing knowing that I’ll be racing the Tour this year,” said an excited Remco.
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Whatever the result, this cycling season promises to be a blockbuster!
