Eenkhoorn and Evenepoel get along well at Soudal Quick-Step: "Remco already sent a few messages"

Pascal Eenkhoorn joined Soudal Quick-Step on January 1, 2025, making his debut alongside Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel in the Brabantse Pijl. The Belgian made his season debut in his home region, and it was one he won't forget anytime soon: he won straight away. After the race, Eenkhoorn shared his thoughts with IDLProCycling.com, among others.

Did you expect this?
"Yes, sort of."

You knew he would do well, but beating Wout van Aert in a sprint is a different story.
"I didn't see the sprint, but I think there are currently three riders at a slightly different level, and Remco is one of them. When you just return to racing, you're still quite explosive. And we've also seen this year that Wout's sprint is slightly less powerful, and I think Remco played that perfectly."

What was said on the bus beforehand, and what was your plan?
"The plan was to be at the front going into the first lap. Pepijn (Reinderink, ed.) did a good job on the Moskesstraat, and they broke away there. I'll have to watch it again to see the rest." (laughs)

Does this also say something about the coming weeks and races?
"Maybe, but then there's also Pogacar. He's performing well, and those races are a bit longer, so that's a new challenge."

How did it go for you?
"Mainly a lot of suffering. (laughs) We started well in the first lap, but it was mostly chasing after that. I was able to save some energy for Sunday."

Did you notice anything different about Remco in the run-up to the Brabantse Pijl?
"He was just really looking forward to it more than anything else. He sent a few messages in the group chat, and you could tell he was really excited."

Is it a big difference for you to have him there compared to other races?
"He's just a bizarre rider with so much talent. That's great for the team. It just boosts everyone's morale, and you start with confidence. Although there wasn't that much pressure."

Do you get along well because your personalities seem to match?
"I get along very well with many people on the team. Remco is an outstanding leader, and he has no strange demands. He is such a good rider that it is easy to support him."

How much contact have you already had?
"We sent each other messages now and then, and he was there for the recon at the Omloop, but other than that, you have to give him some space. He's trained well. Before this race, I asked him about his preferences: some riders want to ride at the front, others prefer to stay behind. That's how we agreed on a strategy."

And now you must teach him how to ride through Limburg before Sunday?
"He did a recon a few weeks ago, and I was supposed to ride with him, but unfortunately, I was sick. He thought it was a beautiful area, and it's kind of like my region, so that's motivating."