Remco Evenepoel has been one of the cyclists who has generated the most expectation in the Flanders World Championship both on and off the road as a result of statements made by Eddy Merckx before the World Cup event in which he questioned Evenepoel’s loyalty to the Belgian team, stating that “he only runs for himself.”
Some statements that Evenepoel himself wanted to answer in the press conference prior to the race, assuring that “I have enormous respect for his record and his achievements, but I can see that this respect is not mutual” and adding that “I’m not here to screw the team.”
Some statements that this Sunday Evenepoel himself also wanted to express on the road. First sneaking into the group that was formed 180 kilometers away finish line and that he became head of the race before the final stage. And then doing a impeccable work after breaking the race in the group of favorites and working for their leader Wout Van Aert to open the distance with the pursuing group before giving up to 26 kilometers finish in the first of the two final laps of the Leuven circuit. A job that the Belgian public appreciated despite the fact that Van Aert and Stuyven could not finish off with a medal at the finish line.
Evenepoel himself wanted to express his impressions on social networks after the race: “I am proud of my country and my flag, and wearing that jersey that represents it is the greatest honor an athlete can have. I have really given it my all. I have tried to convert the decibels of your spirits into watts! The fans have been amazing! Thank you Belgium! “ An example of struggle and sacrifice that convinced Belgium … and who knows if also Eddy Merckx after his statements before the World Cup and after this performance.