Remco Evenepoel's aspiration to achieve a Giro d'Italia and Tour de France double in 2025 marks a bold and ambitious chapter in his cycling career. Inspired by Tadej Pogacar's remarkable success in completing both Grand Tours in 2024, Evenepoel aims to follow in his footsteps, navigating the challenges that come with such an undertaking. His preparation journey involves strategic adjustments, a well-defined racing schedule, and a commitment to teamwork, all of which are critical to realizing this monumental goal.
One of the most significant aspects of Evenepoel's preparation is his training adjustments. Traditionally, cyclists peak at different times depending on their racing calendars. However, Evenepoel is shifting his focus to ensure that he is in prime condition by mid-April, coinciding with the start of the Giro d'Italia. This is a notable departure from his previous training regimens and reflects a growing trend among top cyclists to optimize their performance for specific events. By potentially participating in Milan-San Remo ahead of the Giro, he can simultaneously refine his form and gain valuable experience in a one-day race. This strategic planning underscores the importance of peak performance in the lead-up to the Grand Tours.
Evenepoel's decision to forgo certain classic races, specifically the Ardennes classics like La Flèche Wallonne and Amstel Gold Race, highlights his commitment to focusing on the two Grand Tours. Nonetheless, he aims to ride Liège-Bastogne-Liège if his health permits, demonstrating his desire to maintain a connection to prestigious events while prioritizing his primary objectives. This strategic racing schedule is essential for conserving energy and ensuring that he is fully prepared for the grueling demands of the Giro and the Tour.
Team dynamics play an equally vital role in Evenepoel's quest. Soudal-QuickStep team principal Patrick Lefevere has been vocal about the need for collective preparation, emphasizing that the success of Evenepoel will hinge on the entire team's performance, particularly in the high mountain stages. With the inclusion of sprinter Tim Merlier in the 2025 roster, the team aims to provide even more comprehensive support for Evenepoel, whether in sprints or mountainous terrains. This collaborative approach underlines the reality that cycling is a team sport, where individual brilliance is often bolstered by a strong surrounding cast.
Financial stability is another critical factor influencing Evenepoel's preparations. Despite rumors of a lucrative transfer to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, he has opted to remain with Soudal-QuickStep, reportedly earning €5 million annually. Lefevere’s ability to secure Evenepoel's contract amid competitive offers showcases the importance of stability for an athlete's focus and performance, particularly when they are targeting such ambitious goals.
Motivated by his impressive podium finish at the 2024 Tour de France and his previous Vuelta a España victory, Evenepoel is keen to adopt a more aggressive racing style in 2025. His performance in stage 17 of the 2024 Tour, where he gained time on formidable competitors like Pogacar and Vingegaard, serves as a testament to his potential. However, the hesitation to capitalize fully on that momentum is a lesson he appears ready to learn from, indicating a desire to be more decisive in critical moments during the races.
The endeavor to achieve a Giro-Tour double is not merely a personal challenge but ties into broader trends in professional cycling. The increasing tendency for riders to target multiple Grand Tours in a single season is reshaping the competitive landscape. Pogacar's feat in 2024 has set a new standard, inspiring others, including Evenepoel, to aim for what was once considered a rare achievement. Historically, only a select few, such as Eddy Merckx, have successfully completed this daunting task, further underscoring the significance of Evenepoel's ambitions.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Evenepoel. His journey not only encapsulates the personal aspirations of one of cycling's brightest stars but also serves as a reflection of the evolving challenges within the sport. With meticulous preparation, strategic racing, and a supportive team, he stands on the brink of potentially redefining what is possible in professional cycling. How he navigates this ambitious goal could have lasting implications for his career and influence the paths of future generations of cyclists.
One of the most significant aspects of Evenepoel's preparation is his training adjustments. Traditionally, cyclists peak at different times depending on their racing calendars. However, Evenepoel is shifting his focus to ensure that he is in prime condition by mid-April, coinciding with the start of the Giro d'Italia. This is a notable departure from his previous training regimens and reflects a growing trend among top cyclists to optimize their performance for specific events. By potentially participating in Milan-San Remo ahead of the Giro, he can simultaneously refine his form and gain valuable experience in a one-day race. This strategic planning underscores the importance of peak performance in the lead-up to the Grand Tours.
Evenepoel's decision to forgo certain classic races, specifically the Ardennes classics like La Flèche Wallonne and Amstel Gold Race, highlights his commitment to focusing on the two Grand Tours. Nonetheless, he aims to ride Liège-Bastogne-Liège if his health permits, demonstrating his desire to maintain a connection to prestigious events while prioritizing his primary objectives. This strategic racing schedule is essential for conserving energy and ensuring that he is fully prepared for the grueling demands of the Giro and the Tour.
Team dynamics play an equally vital role in Evenepoel's quest. Soudal-QuickStep team principal Patrick Lefevere has been vocal about the need for collective preparation, emphasizing that the success of Evenepoel will hinge on the entire team's performance, particularly in the high mountain stages. With the inclusion of sprinter Tim Merlier in the 2025 roster, the team aims to provide even more comprehensive support for Evenepoel, whether in sprints or mountainous terrains. This collaborative approach underlines the reality that cycling is a team sport, where individual brilliance is often bolstered by a strong surrounding cast.
Financial stability is another critical factor influencing Evenepoel's preparations. Despite rumors of a lucrative transfer to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, he has opted to remain with Soudal-QuickStep, reportedly earning €5 million annually. Lefevere’s ability to secure Evenepoel's contract amid competitive offers showcases the importance of stability for an athlete's focus and performance, particularly when they are targeting such ambitious goals.
Motivated by his impressive podium finish at the 2024 Tour de France and his previous Vuelta a España victory, Evenepoel is keen to adopt a more aggressive racing style in 2025. His performance in stage 17 of the 2024 Tour, where he gained time on formidable competitors like Pogacar and Vingegaard, serves as a testament to his potential. However, the hesitation to capitalize fully on that momentum is a lesson he appears ready to learn from, indicating a desire to be more decisive in critical moments during the races.
The endeavor to achieve a Giro-Tour double is not merely a personal challenge but ties into broader trends in professional cycling. The increasing tendency for riders to target multiple Grand Tours in a single season is reshaping the competitive landscape. Pogacar's feat in 2024 has set a new standard, inspiring others, including Evenepoel, to aim for what was once considered a rare achievement. Historically, only a select few, such as Eddy Merckx, have successfully completed this daunting task, further underscoring the significance of Evenepoel's ambitions.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Evenepoel. His journey not only encapsulates the personal aspirations of one of cycling's brightest stars but also serves as a reflection of the evolving challenges within the sport. With meticulous preparation, strategic racing, and a supportive team, he stands on the brink of potentially redefining what is possible in professional cycling. How he navigates this ambitious goal could have lasting implications for his career and influence the paths of future generations of cyclists.
