Evenepoel Faces Backlash After World Championship Performance, Satirized on Radio
WOLVERTON, BELGIUM – Remco Evenepoel is confronting a wave of criticism following his performance at the UCI Road World Championships, extending beyond on-course analysis to include pointed satire from a popular Belgian radio station. the 23-year-old world champion faced scrutiny for prematurely dismounting his bike during a crucial bike change adn displaying demonstrative gestures during the race, fueling speculation about his condition and sportsmanship.
The fallout includes direct critique from national coach serge Pauwels, who stated Evenepoel dismounted unnecessarily during his second bike change. Reports also suggest the athlete’s visible frustration, expressed through gestures and body language, led some to question whether reported ”mechanical problems” were a pretext for a subpar showing. This controversy arrives as evenepoel attempts to solidify his position as a dominant force in professional cycling, and the negative attention could impact his future races and public image.
Qmusic, a Belgian radio station, responded to the situation with a satirical “Qmusical” segment, set to a familiar tune.The lyrics included phrases such as “little guy but his bakkes is big” (“little guy but his face is big”), “a big neck for two,” and “with his arrogant face,” drawing attention to Evenepoel’s perceived attitude.
While intended as humor, the segment has sparked debate about its appropriateness, particularly given Evenepoel’s visible disappointment after failing to defend his world title. A clip of the Qmusical has been widely circulated on TikTok, further amplifying the controversy.