Empathetic Evenepoel offers Pogacar some casual advice ahead of the next clash after overtaking him in the World Championship Time Trial

The world champion time trial of Stirling 2023 and Zurich 2024 achieved a clean hat trick in Kigali. It was hat-trick time for the former PSV and Anderlecht soccer player, who immediately after the race said he wanted to go for a fourth title next year in Canada. “Next year I have to go for another one, because I want to be the first to win four in a row,” said the ambitious Evenepoel.

First, there is another appointment in Rwanda, where Evenepoel wants to become world champion on the road for the second time on Sunday. He already achieved this in 2022 in Wollongong, Australia. “I hope I can maintain this form, but it's definitely a big motivation boost,” he said immediately after the finish.

“It was a very specific time trial because you didn't have to push constantly. But when I see the differences along the way, I think it's safe to say that this was one of my better time trials. Especially considering the circumstances, with this course and the heat. Together with the time trial in this year's Dauphiné, which was a completely different challenge.”

"I've already experienced this situation this year (when Jonas Vingegaard overtook him in the Tour de France climbing time trial, ed.), so I know it can be painful. You just have to get over it as quickly as possible. Next week, it could be completely different. I don't think Tadej will dwell on it too much either."

"I saw him in front of me and wanted to pass him as quickly as possible. Maybe that's why I went a little over my limit on the cobbled climb. In the end, it didn't matter because winning is what counts. We shouldn't make it bigger than it is, even though you always want to pass a rider who is cycling ahead of you. It helps you push through the pain."

Was it too painful to feel satisfied?
"Yes, you could say that. I couldn't afford to overdo it at that point, because the steepest part of the climb was still to come. And with the high gear I was riding, I still had to pedal hard to keep going fast."

What thought was behind it?
"We thought about it carefully. We tested it and, after two or three days of meetings, this option came out on top, although I have to say that it was quite difficult on the cobblestones at the end."

All in all, what was it like to ride this World Championship in Rwanda?
"So far, so good. It's pretty hectic, but that's the case in any big city. Outside the city center, there are also many good roads, and you can train well in the hills, so I've been able to enjoy it so far. Hopefully, it will stay that way for another week."

To what extent was the course different from one in Europe?
“We rode at an altitude of 1,500 meters, which, combined with the heat and a different kind of air, makes a big difference. Some people adapt more quickly than others, but anyway, we've known for a while that the World Championships would be in Kigali. It's different, but in a way it's also the same for everyone.”

What do you think of the road race this coming Sunday?
‘I'll take this performance with me to Sunday, because that race will also be very up and down. I said two days ago that I was feeling excellent and am probably at my best this season. I won't be able to hide anymore, but after 6.5 hours of racing on this tough course, it will be pretty fair. If I had to compare it to a race, I would choose the Amstel Gold Race.’