Remco Evenepoel Aims for Tadej Pogacar’s Level with Intense Training Test

Remco Evenepoel is intensifying his training efforts as he aims to reach the competitive level of fellow cyclist Tadej Pogačar. His training strategy is designed to optimize his performance based on his body’s capabilities. This approach incorporates feedback from competition and altitude training.

Training Objectives and Strategy

Evenepoel’s coach, Patrick Lefevere, had anticipated Evenepoel’s focus and progression over the years, identifying key races for him to target. These include renowned cyclists’ classics and stage races leading up to the Tour de France.

• Evenepoel’s favorite race is Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
• He aims to compete against Pogačar at this event.
• The two have dominated the classic in recent years, each winning five consecutive editions.

Key Races for Evenepoel

Liège-Bastogne-Liège is expected to serve as a crucial benchmark for Evenepoel against Pogačar, particularly during the ascent of La Redoute. This segment requires approximately five minutes of intense effort, where Pogačar has historically excelled.

Gaining Competitive Edge

Evenepoel indicated that he learned valuable lessons from competing against Pogačar at the last European Championships. Although initially, he matched Pogačar’s pace, he struggled to maintain the speed over extended efforts.

• He requires 20 to 30 seconds to recover, while Pogačar sustains a high cadence.
• Evenepoel is focusing on high-intensity training to bridge this gap.

He acknowledged that Pogačar’s performance last year was exceptional, claiming he was “untouchable.” Evenepoel expressed confidence in his own abilities, stating, “We’ll push my capabilities to be beside him or even above in the coming months.”

Looking Ahead: Tour de France Aspirations

After the spring classics, Evenepoel will shift his focus to the Tour de France. He reflected on his recent successes, including winning the Vuelta and a strong performance before his early exit from the Giro in 2023. These experiences fuel his ambition to win the Tour and achieve his lifelong dream.

“I will make the necessary sacrifices to reach this goal,” he asserted. His preparation signals a serious commitment to standing out among his competitors this cycling season.