'I’m a winner, and I want to ride like one' - Evenepoel ready for European clash
“I’m a winner, and I want to ride like one.” Remco Evenepoel doesn’t say it to sound confident. He says it because it’s who he is. On Sunday, the Belgian will chase the one title still missing from his championship palmarès: the European road race. The goal has been clear for months, and as the start in the Drôme approaches, his eyes betray a quiet fire.
It’s a course that asks questions only a few can answer and Evenepoel knows he’s one of them. “This course is much more selective than Rwanda,” Evenepoel looked ahead at the press conference. “On a good day, I should always be there for the win.”
He used his training after Wednesday's time trial to get a feel for the circuit, logging 135 kilometres at over 33 kilometres per hour and 1,600 metres of climbing. “It was a nice one. Now I’ll take two easier days, so that’s fine,” he smiled. “It’s a hard circuit, tougher than the Worlds. It’ll be nervous, but I like that.”
The European Championships have become the late-season goal, even more than the World Championships in Kigali. It’s the only major title missing from his palmarès, and that absence has sharpened his focus. “That definitely plays a role,” he admitted. “If the course suits me, I’ll always want to tick this one off. I’m always motivated, but those extra things make it special.”
The rivalry adds another layer. Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard will line up too, making this another clash of the sport’s titans. “It would be nice if we can all fight each other again in top form,” Evenepoel said. “Tadej and I have already shown we’re going well, with Jonas it’s still a bit of a question mark. He’s a great rider and I’m looking forward to racing against him and Tadej again.”
Belgium will start with a strong team, but Evenepoel knows how these races are won. At some point, it becomes man against man. “We’ll take our responsibility as a team,” he said. “But I have to think in two ways. Be ready if there’s an early move, and if I have something left, I want to try myself. I’m a winner and I want to race like one.”
The dream scenario? “Coming to the line alone would be beautiful, but not easy. I’m ready for both situations.”
For Evenepoel, it’s not just about adding another jersey. It’s about riding the way he believes champions should: with intent, with courage, and without compromise.
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