Remco Evenepoel heads into the World Championships road race in Montréal as a primary favorite for the rainbow jersey, following a successful defense of his world time trial title in Canada. With Tadej Pogačar absent from the start list, attention shifts immediately to how the Belgian star will manage a high-profile rivalry against Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.
Assessing the Favoriet Label and Recent Form
Evenepoel opened his two-week Canadian block in dominant fashion last Sunday by capturing another time trial gold medal. That performance instantly placed him at the center of pre-race discussions, though the rider himself prefers to deflect the burden of expectation. According to Evenepoel, questions about being the top favorite are not really meant for the competitors themselves. He noted that his focus remains entirely on daily routines, training sessions, and preparing properly for Sunday’s demanding 273.7-kilometer elite men’s road race, which features 3,803 vertical meters across twelve local circuits around Mont-Royal.
“We focus on what we need to do, on the trainings and on getting ready for Sunday,” Evenepoel said, pointing out that winning twice in two weeks has kept his preparation smooth. He outlined plans to rest and complete two vital training days on Wednesday and Thursday to build extra power in his legs ahead of the weekend.
Evaluating Van der Poel and Van Aert
The tactical battle on Sunday is expected to revolve around two of cycling’s biggest heavyweights. Van der Poel tuned up for the championships with a stellar showing in Europe, most notably launching a massive 175-kilometer solo breakaway to win the final stage of the Tour de Luxembourg. Evenepoel observed those moves closely, offering a lighthearted jab before turning serious. “They let him ride, hè,” Evenepoel joked about the Dutch rider’s lengthy escape, before conceding that “it was very impressive from Mathieu” and proof that his rival is fully ready for the challenge. At the same time, Van der Poel has maintained in reports that the challenging Montréal circuit might test a rider of his physical build.
Meanwhile, Evenepoel does not have to look far for another major threat, even within his own national squad. Wout van Aert joins him on the Belgian team, bringing strong form from a successful Vuelta a España campaign. Beyond the marquee Belgian-Dutch rivalry, the start list features emerging and established threats, including French talent Paul Seixas, Mexican climber Isaac Del Toro, and powerful American riders such as Brandon McNulty and Quinn Simmons.
Next Steps Toward the Rainbow Jersey
With final preparations set for Wednesday and Thursday, the peloton will assemble on Sunday for what promises to be an intensely selective tactical battle.
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