Evenepoel exchanged messages with Pogacar after Slovenian's Tour advice: "Not this year, that's my answer"

A few hours before he was introduced to the Swiss public for the first time, in front of the beautiful abbey of Einsiedeln, Remco Evenepoel made time for an (online) press conference. The Belgian rider is making his comeback in the Alpine country after withdrawing from the Giro d'Italia.

While sitting amidst the picturesque Swiss scenery, IDLProCycling.com also took part in the press briefing hosted by the world champion cyclist. Evenepoel has been keeping his lips tightly sealed when it comes to the WorldTour race. During the briefing, with a big smile on his face, the football fan talked about the Champions League final of Saturday evening between Manchester City and Internazionale, but of course, the recent Giro and upcoming Tour of Switzerland were also discussed.

One thing is clear: the race in which the world champion cyclist would make his comeback after withdrawing from the Giro d'Italia was a hot topic, especially in Belgium. The Tour de France and the Baloise Belgium Tour were considered options, but ultimately, Switzerland was selected.

Evenepoel would like to tick off Switzerland during his career

"The values were okay, good enough to race in the WorldTour," Evenepoel said about his choice to restart in Central Europe. "It wasn't easy to choose, but in terms of my development and the grand tour dreams I have, Switzerland is a good race. It's ridden at high altitude, there are long stages and I think there are beautiful time trials in the course. Also, I benefited a lot from the Tour of Switzerland last year."

First, let's go back to the Giro d'Italia, Evenepoel's main goal for 2023. After his victory in the second time trial, he had to return home due to a severe COVID-19 infection. "The first week after the Giro, I was very sick, getting sicker every day. It wasn't clear where I would be able to start again, initially. Eventually, I got the green light and could start training again and after three days, I started feeling better."

During his recovery, Evenepoel was able to 'simply watch' the Giro. "I watched every stage, except for the final stage. I had an important appointment then: I had to eat ice cream with my family. It wasn't difficult to watch the Giro. I had a good first week. It's never nice to leave the Giro, but it's easier when you've had some good performances."

"Two weeks after the Giro, I felt normal again, so I could train for ten days in the Ardennes," says the Belgian, who also made the choice to participate in the Tour of Switzerland. "I have a special jersey, so I want to perform well in the races that suit me. This is the best for my development because my future looks like this too. Besides, I have already won the Tour of Belgium twice and I would like to win Switzerland again. That's why I'm here."

Tour de France for Evenepoel? "Not this year, that's my answer"

After Switzerland, Evenepoel will head to the Belgian National Championship. The rider repeatedly stated that the Tour is still not an option. Eventhough Tom Dumoulin and even Tadej Pogacar advised him to go. "Not this year, that's my answer. I exchanged some messages with Pogacar, and you have to understand that I spent six months preparing for the Giro on a barren mountain. That was quite boring at times."

"After my illness, I stayed off the bike for ten days, so it's not easy to be in top form for the Tour," Evenepoel continues. "If I start in the Tour, I want to be 150 percent. That wouldn't be possible now, so it's better not to start. In the future, I will ride it again. The suggestion that he could go to learn is also dismissed by the world champion.

"It could be an option, but you would be disappointed if I were to struggle in the first mountain stage," he addressed the press from his home country. "That would be a big bummer for Belgium. For me, it's not feasible. Riding the Tour is easier said than done. Those who would be in my shoes would understand. The guys going to the Tour have been working on it for months. We did discuss it, but it quickly became clear that we wouldn't do it."

Evenepoel: "I wouldn't have started in Switzerland if I wasn't feeling good" 

But first, the Tour of Switzerland, which he is visibly looking forward to. "First of all, we'll see how it goes throughout the week. I'll be starting fresh, but it's a tough race. There are several challenging stages in the middle. I wouldn't have started if I wasn't feeling good. I'll do my best. We'll start off with an important day."

By that, Evenepoel is referring to the individual time trial of just over twelve kilometers around Einsiedeln. "It's a short time trial. I expect guys like Stefan Bissegger to perform well - he's very good at it. Also, it's in his home country, which of course also applies to Stefan Küng. Wout van Aert and I will also go for it, but I'm more focused on gaining time on the other general classification contenders. Although a stage victory is always a nice bonus."

For the general classification, Juan Ayuso seems to be a formidable opponent. "Ayuso is a big rival for me. He has probably also been training at altitude, so I expect him to be in front. It's always great to race against him; he's a true rider who doesn't overthink," Evenepoel concludes with a nice compliment towards his fellow rider of the same generation.

Tom van der Salm (Twitter: @TomvanderSalm)