Evenepoel sees "good sign" for the rest of the Tour: "When I attacked yesterday, they didn’t react"

After the tenth stage, Evenepoel did not comment, quickly boarding the bus and preparing for a long journey. A day later, on the rest day, it was a different story, with Evenepoel one of the few big stars to invite the press. Why him and not Vingegaard, for example? “Maybe they have a better press manager," the number three in the GC jokingly replied and made everybody present laugh.

“The balance is good,” Evenepoel continued. “We've won three stages with the team, I'm third in the GC and still in contention for the prizes,” according to Sporza. "Given the time trial, we might have expected a slightly better ranking. Pogacar has already gained a little more time than we had hoped, especially in the first stage. But it's okay. It could have been worse."

In the battle for the yellow jersey, Evenepoel faces the strongest competition, as expected, from Tadej Pogacar (UAE Emirates-XRG) and Joans Vingegaard (Visma | Lease a Bike). How does Evenepoel rate his chances against his two rivals? “I think I'm going to let them play their game. When I attacked yesterday, they did not react. That's a good sign. I'll have to choose my moment when my legs feel right. It's good for us that they're focused on each other and not on us.”

Evenepoel is mainly focused on the battle for the yellow jersey. "I'm still keeping an eye on Jonas and Tadej. They are the guys I want to compete with, especially in the future. To win the Tour one day. My career goal is to reach that level, at the very least. That's why it's good that I can race against them as much as possible."

If he wants to win a second stage, Evenepoel will probably have to get past those two top riders. "But who knows, maybe I'll have that extreme super day, and I can ride away from them. You always have to hope for that."

In recent weeks, in addition to his sporting achievements, there has been much talk about a possible transfer for the Flemish rider. Rumors that he will no longer be riding for Soudal Quick-Step in 2026 are becoming increasingly louder. “2026 is still a long way off,” Evenepoel says, avoiding the issue. “It's logical that I don't want to say anything about it yet.”

The rider is well aware that a lot is going on. “I read a lot of things that are unfortunately not true.” According to rumors, Evenepoel will leave for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe after this year. “But I talked to Jurgen (Foré, the CEO, ed.) about it because he is also concerned. Everything is sorted out."