Evenepoel puts Pogacar and training buddy in Spain Van der Poel in the balance at World Championship press conference

Whereas the press conferences of the Belgian selections for the championships are usually held in Dutch, there was so much interest from other countries that an English format was chosen. This just goes to show what influence the global media expects Evenepoel and his seven companions to have on Sunday.

"Definitely, we are also riding a different bike. And we're with a bigger team, so I'm not alone."

(grins) "We haven't had the tactical meeting yet. Of course, we want to race, but I'm not the one who will decide that. Or it's up to Victor (Campenaerts, ed.) if he wants to ride from kilometer one..."

"If I have to believe the newspapers, there are two favorites." (referring to Van der Poel and Pogacar)

"So those two may have to control, but it depends on how the course develops. We have to be able to adapt to different situations."

"Relaxed, I would say. But that's always the case, I think. I'm just going to give it my all. If I win, then it's great. But if not, that's also part of life, and I'm just as motivated."

"No, it gives me motivation. It's easier to talk about than to realize it, so we will definitely try."

"The last time I cycled with him, two or three weeks ago, it wasn't so good. But he is a rider who knows how to get in shape at the right time, so the two or three weeks with the Tour of Luxembourg will have done him well. But of course, he is a bit heavier than me and Tadej, so he also has to drag that weight up every lap. That might be a small disadvantage."

"That's impossible. He's always there."

"Maybe. But I don't want to wake up the beast in Tadej."

"That seems pretty clear to me. I'm riding here for Belgium and not for the Netherlands, so it's not like we're making deals in a certain way."

"If there is no other option, then I will have to. But it's no secret that he's a fast rider, so I certainly won't provide a lead-out for him. I will have every right not to ride with him, but I must ride smart anyway."

"I'm not going to venture into that. It's a World Championship, and then surprises always pop up."

"Victor."