Evenepoel on what it would take to win the Tour - 'Pogacar not starting'

Speaking to the media after crossing the finish line of the Tour's final mountain test, Evenepoel recalled the demanding three weeks that secured him second place in the general classification, his best Tour GC result, alongside two stage victories and numerous podium finishes.

While acknowledging that the race hasn't officially concluded until the procession to Paris, the Belgian was quick to celebrate coming through the high mountains safely.

"We are not in Paris yet. We still have one more stage to go," Evenepoel noted. "But yes, I am extremely happy to finish the mountains with such a good day today."

Despite a solid performance that cemented his runner-up spot behind Pogačar, Evenepoel admitted to a lingering competitive itch regarding the stage victories that slipped away.

"I was a little disappointed not to take the stage win in the end because we came really close. But that is my mentality. I always aim for the highest possible result and try to win. I did everything I could," he said.

"I finished twenty seconds behind the stage winner, but I am second in the general classification, with two stage wins and several second and third places. So yes, it has been a very good Tour. I am very happy for myself and for the team."

With the major physical hurdles of the race now behind him, Evenepoel made sure to credit the network of support that carried him through the three-week Grand Tour.

"I also need to thank everyone around me, including my family and the staff members who helped me achieve this. I am extremely happy," he said. 

Looking towards the future and what it might take to climb that final step of the podium in upcoming editions, Evenepoel offered a characteristically humorous assessment of the current hierarchy in professional cycling.

When Thijs Zonneveld of In de Waaier asked what it would take to turn his second and third places at the Tour de France into an overall victory, Evenepoel simply replied: "Pogi [Pogacar] not starting."

Pushed on whether it was really that simple, the Belgian replied: "For the next few years, I think it is. Unfortunately."