'I am certainly here with ambitions': Evenepoel begins Worlds build-up in Québec

Remco Evenepoel says the Canadian one day races are primarily preparation rather than a major target, with the World Championships road race coming just two weeks after Sunday’s Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.

The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider has not raced since winning the Clásica San Sebastián on 1 August, claiming a record fourth victory in four appearances at the Basque classic and moving clear of Marino Lejarreta on the all time winners’ list. Evenepoel beat Richard Carapaz in a two rider sprint after Maxim Van Gils had set a fierce pace on the Murgil.

Evenepoel has not raced in Canada since his neo pro season in 2019, when he finished 99th in Québec and 55th in Montréal.

"To be honest, I haven't really thought about the race yet. I'm mainly happy to be here. It's been a while, because the last time I was here was in 2019," Evenepoel said to HLN. "Three important weeks are coming up, but right now I feel good."

The timing carries added significance this year compared with previous editions of North America’s only WorldTour races. Montréal has redesigned its circuit to closely replicate the World Championships course, which will use the same lap on 27 September.

That makes Sunday’s race a full scale dress rehearsal for riders targeting the rainbow jersey two weeks later.

"For me, this is definitely preparation for the World Championships. These are my first races since San Sebastián," Evenepoel said regarding the parcours. "I am certainly here with ambitions, but the most important thing for me is to be ready in two or three weeks."

Evenepoel is among the favourites for both Canadian WorldTour races, having finished second at this year's Tour de France, 6:26 behind Tadej Pogačar. Van Gils rides alongside him again, giving Red Bull an option for a sprint and an option for a late move.

With Pogačar absent, Evenepoel could be seen as the top favourite for the Road Race and will look to emulate his 2022 World Championship Road Race performance in Australia, where the Belgian rocketed to glory with a 25-kilometre solo.

Before that, however, the time trial master will be looking at adding and defending another rainbow jersey in the time trial discipline to his collection on September 20.

Last week, Dutch national coach Koos Moerenhout named Evenepoel and Belgium as the main threat when announcing his squad.

For now, Evenepoel is not looking that far ahead and is focused on the opportunity.

"It has been a long time since I last raced on these roads. So it is good to explore the area and freshen up," he said. "We are going to make the best of it and see what happens. In any case, I am motivated to do well."