Evenepoel Declares He Can Beat Pogačar, Opens Up About Mental health Battle

November 30, 2025 – Cycling superstar Remco Evenepoel has boldly asserted his belief that he can defeat rival Tadej Pogačar in upcoming races, specifically citing Liège-Bastogne-Liège as a key target.This declaration comes as Evenepoel looks to rebound from a challenging 2024 season marked by injury and a previously undisclosed struggle with mental health.

While Pogačar has dominated road races since spring 2023,Evenepoel points to his past victories – including the 2023 Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the 2022 World championships – as evidence of his capability. He also highlighted his strong performance at this year’s Amstel Gold Race, where he successfully chased down Pogačar’s solo attack, suggesting the course profile suits his strengths.

“I believe I should be able to beat Pogačar in Liège, provided that I am really in top form,” Evenepoel stated in a recent interview with Nieuwsblad Café Koers’ podcast.

However, Evenepoel’s confidence isn’t just about past performance. He’s been remarkably candid about the difficulties he faced following a severe training accident last December. Doored by a postal worker, he sustained fractures to his ribs, hand, and shoulder, along with a dislocated collarbone and bruised lung.

Initially fearing his career was over, Evenepoel revealed the incident triggered a notable mental health challenge. “At first, I was afraid my career could be over…mentally that fall also had an impact.At that time,I was in a very deep mental state,” he confessed. He described periods of isolation, spending days on the couch and actively avoiding contact with others.While hesitant to definitively label it as

how might an over-reliance on virtual training specifically hinder the advancement of crucial bike handling skills needed for navigating unpredictable real-world race conditions?

Remco Evenepoel Champions the Need for Competitive Cycling, Emphasizing the Importance of Real Challenges Over Virtual Assists

The Core of Evenepoel’s Argument: Preserving the Essence of Cycling

Remco Evenepoel, the young belgian cycling prodigy, has become a vocal advocate for maintaining the fundamental challenges inherent in professional cycling. His stance isn’t a rejection of technological advancements, but a firm belief that the sport’s integrity relies on prioritizing physical prowess, tactical acumen, and the unpredictable nature of real-world racing over an over-reliance on virtual assistance and simulated training.This viewpoint resonates deeply with cycling purists and sparks crucial debate within the sport. The core of his argument centers around the diminishing role of raw talent and the increasing dependence on data-driven optimization.

The Rise of Virtual Training & Its Limitations

The past decade has witnessed an explosion in the popularity of indoor cycling platforms like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Rouvy. These platforms offer:

* Structured Training: Personalized workout plans based on power output and physiological data.

* Data Analysis: Detailed metrics tracking performance, identifying weaknesses, and optimizing training load.

* Virtual Racing: Competitive events simulating real-world races, often with large prize pools.

While undeniably beneficial for base fitness and skill development, Evenepoel argues these virtual environments can’t fully replicate the complexities of road cycling. Key limitations include:

* Lack of Tactile Feedback: The feel of the road surface, wind resistance, and pack dynamics are absent.

* Simplified Race Scenarios: Virtual races often lack the unpredictable elements – crosswinds, cobbled sections, sudden attacks – that define real-world competition.

* Potential for Over-Optimization: An excessive focus on data can lead to riders becoming overly reliant on numbers, stifling intuition and adaptability. Cycling power meters and heart rate monitors are valuable tools, but shouldn’t dictate every decision.

The Impact on Race Dynamics & Rider Development

Evenepoel’s concerns extend beyond individual training. He believes an over-emphasis on virtual assistance is altering the very fabric of racing.

* Reduced Risk-Taking: Riders may be less inclined to launch daring attacks or navigate challenging terrain if thier performance is solely measured against pre-defined metrics.

* Homogenization of Riding Styles: Data-driven training can lead to riders adopting similar tactics and strategies, reducing the diversity of racing styles.

* Diminished Importance of Bike Handling Skills: The controlled habitat of virtual training doesn’t adequately develop the bike handling skills crucial for navigating unpredictable road conditions. Bike handling skills are paramount in races like Paris-Roubaix.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

Evenepoel’s own career provides a compelling case study. His success isn’t solely attributed to advanced training methodologies,but also to his innate talent,aggressive racing style,and willingness to take risks. His dominant performance in individual time trials,often characterized by bold pacing strategies,demonstrates the value of intuition and adaptability.

Consider the 2023 World Championships Time Trial. Evenepoel’s victory wasn’t simply a result of optimal power output; it was a testament to his ability to read the course, adjust his strategy based on weather conditions, and maintain composure under pressure. This is a skill honed through years of real-world racing, not virtual simulation.

The Role of Technology: A Balanced Approach

Evenepoel isn’t advocating for a complete rejection of technology. He acknowledges the benefits of data analysis and virtual training as supplemental tools. His call is for a balanced approach, one that prioritizes the core elements of cycling – physical endurance, tactical intelligence, and the ability to thrive in unpredictable conditions.

* Prioritize Outdoor Riding: Emphasize long hours on the road, developing endurance and bike handling skills.

* Embrace Unstructured Training: incorporate spontaneous rides, group workouts, and challenging terrain to foster adaptability.

* Develop Tactical acumen: Study race tactics, analyze competitor strengths and weaknesses, and practise making split-second decisions.

* Focus on Intuition: Encourage riders to trust their instincts and embrace the unpredictable nature of racing.

The Future of Competitive Cycling: Finding the Right Balance

the debate sparked by remco Evenepoel is crucial for the future of competitive cycling. The sport must find a way to embrace technological advancements without sacrificing its inherent challenges and the qualities that make it so captivating. The goal isn’t to eliminate virtual assistance, but to ensure it serves as a tool to enhance, not replace, the fundamental elements of real-world racing. Maintaining the integrity of professional cycling requires a commitment to preserving the essence of the sport – a test of human endurance, skill, and courage.