Axel Merckx gives his view on Remco Evenepoel’s switch to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe and outlines the possible scenarios for the coming season.
Option A: Classics and Tour
Axel Merckx emphasizes at La Dernière Heure the reason for the transfer of Remco Evenepoel. “He did not leave Soudal Quick-Step to ride the spring classics elsewhere,” it said. Yet he sees that participation in the Tour of Flanders could be an interesting possibility. According to him, Evenepoel has the right qualities for this type of race, where selection is often made early.
However, Merckx sounds critical about the chances that Evenepoel has. “To be honest, I think he would have had a better chance to perform in the Tour… if he had stayed with Soudal Quick-Step, a team with the Flandriens in its DNA.” He concludes that a program with classics and Tour would largely resemble what Evenepoel has already ridden in recent years, and that this was not the reason for his transfer.
Option B: Giro and Tour
In addition to the classics, Merckx sees a second scenario. “In the Giro, which suits him according to the first signals, he would have a good chance in the rankings, despite the probable presence of Vingegaard.”
Merckx states that a possible overall victory in Italy could put him in a comfortable position heading into the Tour de France. “If he manages to win the pink, he can go to the Tour with much less pressure.” He points to the confrontation with Pogacar, who will again be the reference in 2025.
Leadership role and expectations
Read also… “I can’t do it anymore”: Years later, Evenepoel is still struggling with the consequences of a heavy fall›Merckx decides that Evenepoel can only be used as leader. “I cannot imagine that he will have a role other than that of leader in both the Giro and the Tour.” He emphasizes that the financial effort made before his arrival is not consistent with a role as a stage chaser.
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