Evenepoel is back after 'dark period': "Without Oumi, I would probably have stopped my career"

Evenepoel is excited about his comeback. He shares his thoughts on Instagram after all the misfortunes of the past months. "Finally, my comeback week has arrived. After days, weeks, and months of waiting and waiting, I can finally look toward my first races. The way to where I am now has been very hard and challenging. Definitely the hardest battle of my life so far. Mentally and physically, I can honestly say that I have been under the ground and really doubted a lot of my future. Loads of tears and frustration were present in our life."

The dark period is now behind him, and he has many people to thank for that. First and foremost, his wife, Oumi. She has meant the world to him. "Passing this whole dark period with me has not been easy. The way you worked hard to pass all your exams was unseen! That combined with me being injured and mentally down, I can only say: thank you so much for everything habiba. Every day, you came up with a lesson. You have been teaching me so much stuff, on all aspects in life! How to get through hard periods, how to stay focussed, how to be happy while it is difficult."

To say that Oumi plays an important role in Evenepoel's life is an understatement. The 25-year-old world time trial champion would have quit cycling if she hadn't helped him get back on track. "I would probably have stopped my career. That is from where you helped me crawling back up." His parents also helped him get back to his old self. "I definitely have to thank my parents aswell for always being there for me. And helping me with whatever it can be! Since I was a very young kid you guys have been doing everything for me, and I will for sure never forget that!"

Evenepoel was, of course, badly injured: he crashed into the door of a van, breaking a rib, his right shoulder blade, and his right hand. Both lungs were also bruised, and an injured nerve in his shoulder was later diagnosed. But he is feeling fine again, thanks to the medical experts. "All the medical staff who worked (and are still working) with me during my rehab: THANK YOU. We came from far back, but we made it.. again."