Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel returns to competition this Friday at the Flèche Brabançona, after overcoming complicated months marked by injuries and doubts about his future. In a message posted on Instagram, the double Olympic champion shared his reflections on the challenges he has faced recently.
Evenepoel, known for having suffered numerous crashes throughout his career, faced a new setback last December. During an out-of-competition accident, he crashed into the door of a postal vehicle parked on the side of the road, resulting in injuries to a hand, rib and shoulder blade. These injuries forced him into a lengthy recovery before he could return to racing.
The 25-year-old cyclist, who had already overcome a fractured pelvis in 2020 after a serious crash at the Giro di Lombardia, described this period as “the hardest battle of my life so far.” According to his words, both physically and mentally, he has lived moments of uncertainty and doubts about his future in professional cycling.
In his message, Evenepoel expressed his gratitude to the people who have supported him during this difficult period, especially his wife Oumi. In strong words, he said: “Without you, I probably would have ended my career. This support has been key to his return to competition and his preparation for the Ardennes Classics.
A comeback with ambitious goals
Evenepoel, double winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, is one of the main candidates for victory in the Ardennes classics, which start this Sunday with the Amstel Gold Race. However, his form is uncertain, as he has not raced since his second place in the Giro di Lombardia last October.
Despite the doubts, Evenepoel’s return to competition generates great expectations, especially in the Flèche Brabançona, where he will seek to measure his level and regain the competitive rhythm. His history of self-improvement and his talent make him a leading figure in international cycling and one of the rivals to beat. His presence would feed the excellent state of health of the cycling elite with figures that will last forever as Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel or Wout van Aert.
