Evenepoel’s wife Oumi addressed Belgian fans and media after Remco won the European Championships title

Remco Evenepoel completed his cycling Grand Slam on Sunday in Slovenia by winning the European Cycling Championships. That victory followed a World Championship in Canada that had been disappointing for him, where he was more affected by the race than he let on. Evenepoel himself said so, as did his wife, Oumi, after the European Championships.

In the flash interview following the thrilling final at the European Championships, Evenepoel immediately admitted that he had been struggling mentally after the World Championships in Canada. “To be honest, it was a really tough week for me, after the disappointment of the World Championships.”

"I think that was on my mind more than I let on, so it's a huge relief to be back at my best today and to complete my collection of champion's jerseys. It feels great," said the Belgian.

On Sporza , he even apologised . “I may not have really shown it, but I was actually very disappointed in myself and my performance. I also felt like I’d let the whole country down with my performance. I do hope everyone is proud now that we’re back on top. And once again, I’m sorry about last week’s World Cup. Now I’m definitely going to celebrate this one in style.”

Ms. Oumi also addressed the issue on VTM . “He likes to act tougher than he really is, but he felt very guilty toward his teammates, the federation, and the Belgian fans. I’m especially happy that he can take that jersey—the only one he was still missing—home with him.”

"Remco is actually a soft-hearted person. He was really, really sad, so I'm truly happy for him. Otherwise, he would have been even sadder, and I would have had to comfort him again," said a relieved Oumi.