Evenepoel Eyes Historic Flanders Victory: Five Factors Fueling His Bid
Kortrijk, Belgium – Remco Evenepoel enters the 2025 Tour of Flanders as a top contender, poised to challenge the race’s traditional dominance adn potentially become the first Belgian winner since 2008. While historically a Grand Tour hopeful, a shift in focus and a series of strategic team enhancements position Evenepoel for a breakthrough performance on the iconic Flemish cobbles.
The Soudal Quick-Step team underwent a turbulent 2024 spring classics campaign, failing to capitalize on emerging talent. However, the acquisition of Evenepoel, coupled with key support riders like Gianni Vermeersch, has fundamentally altered their dynamic. This, combined with evenepoel’s proven strength in one-day races, creates a compelling narrative as he targets a historic victory in his home country. The stakes are high: a Flanders win woudl cement Evenepoel’s legacy as a versatile cycling superstar and revitalize a team seeking a return to classics glory.
1.A Dedicated Focus on the Classics
Evenepoel’s program is increasingly geared towards the spring classics, recognizing his strengths lie in shorter, more explosive races. While he’s proven capable in stage races – notably winning the 2023 Vuelta a España and achieving a podium finish in the 2024 Tour de France – his peak performance consistently surfaces in one-day events. This strategic shift allows for targeted preparation and maximizes his chances on the challenging Flemish terrain.
2. Enhanced Team Support
The addition of Evenepoel and experienced classics rider Gianni Vermeersch provides Soudal Quick-Step with a genuine finisher and crucial support. Sports Director Heinrich Haussler acknowledged the team’s previous shortcomings,stating in October 2024,”The team also missed a real finisher for those Flemish races,which they now have Evenepoel… (a super servant Gianni vermeersch) has in its ranks.” This improved team structure addresses a critical weakness from the previous season.
3.Dominance in One-Day Races
Evenepoel’s palmarès is heavily weighted towards one-day races. His accomplishments include a road world title, two time trial world titles, victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Clasica San Sebastian, alongside two Olympic gold medals. This demonstrates a clear aptitude for the demands of these events, suggesting he can translate that success to the Tour of Flanders.
4. Peaking for a Single Day
Evenepoel appears to thrive when targeting a specific, high-intensity event. The concentrated effort required for a one-day race seems to suit his physiological profile and racing style. This contrasts with the sustained effort needed for three-week Grand Tours,where disrupted preparation or bad luck have often hampered his performance.
5. A Favorable Distance
The tour of Flanders’ distance may be more conducive to Evenepoel’s strengths than longer stage races. The race’s explosive nature and frequent short, steep climbs favor a rider with his power and acceleration, potentially giving him an edge over competitors specializing in endurance.As noted, in one-day rates Evenepoel “always that little bit more.”
