{"id":2017027,"date":"2026-06-28T09:59:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T06:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2017027"},"modified":"2026-06-28T09:59:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T06:59:00","slug":"i-fully-understand-patrick-lefevere-backs-former-protege-remco-evenepoel-over-decision-to-skip-belgian-nationals-as-tour-de-france-looms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2017027","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;I fully understand&#8217; &#8211; Patrick Lefevere backs former protege Remco Evenepoel over decision to skip Belgian Nationals as Tour de France looms"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Belgian National Championships mandate could mean Remco Evenepoel is banned from racing for nine days\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-160-80.jpg.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xYehNdGJyBUwNetTFTfRVL-80-80.jpg.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-160-80.png.webp 160w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/WHEfA8PfrwjRikdcTccTK-80-80.png.webp 80w\" sizes=\"80px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow jersey\n                                <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I fully understand&#8217; &#8211; Patrick Lefevere backs former protege Remco Evenepoel over decision to skip Belgian Nationals as Tour de France looms<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-28T09:59:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former team manager describes Nationals as &#8220;something of an anachronism&#8221; in weekly newspaper column<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2026 Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge: Remco Evenepoel after his last race of the spring<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none 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according to Belgian Cycling Federation regulations, which stipulate all pro racers must take part in that event, could hypothetically result in a short suspension.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5d69ec6-be1f-4485-bad6-fe6dd73b4196-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This could potentially affect his participation in the Tour de France, although it is thought unlikely that such a suspension would actually happen, particularly as riders have missed the Belgian Nationals in the past without penalisation.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian star has not raced this Spring since Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, with the July 4 start in the Tour de France his next event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Evenepoel&#8217;s absence from the Nationals and the possible penalty have caused something of a minor media storm in Belgium, with Lefevere now weighing in his weekly <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> column in support for his former protege at QuickStep, which Lefevere managed for over two decades.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cEvery year at the Belgian Cycling Championships, we get the same role-playing: riders who suddenly fall ill or suddenly feel a slight overload and therefore have to withdraw &#8216;with a heavy heart&#8217;. A week later, they start the Tour de France fit and cheerful,&#8221; Levefere wrote.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Belgian National Championships mandate could mean Remco Evenepoel is banned from racing for nine days<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The doctor&#8217;s notes come in to the Belgian federation, and they just have to take it all in their stride. Someone probably has to reply &#8216;get well soon&#8217; as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lefevere described the mandatory participation in the Belgian Nationals as &#8220;an absurd situation&#8221; but he also said he understood the logic behind it. With very little money available for the Belgian National Federation and few commercially viable opportunities to help boost their profile, an event like the Nationals guaranteed some return for host towns and cities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Lefevere also said in his <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> column he understood why stage racers like Evenepoel wanted to stay away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He naturally thinks &#8211; &#8216; No way am I going to jeopardize my Tour in Brasschaat&#8221; &#8211; the location of this year&#8217;s Nationals &#8211; &#8220;with zero elevation gain,&#8221; Lefevere wrote.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I saw Remco Evenepoel win the flat Belgian Championship in Izegem and even the Gullegem Kermesse, but if he goes for the doctor&#8217;s note now too, I fully understand.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Cycling isn&#8217;t forever&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel keeps broader perspective on sport as return to racing at Amstel Gold looms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lefevere said he disagreed with a currently popular argument that the Belgian National Champion&#8217;s jersey had little importance for pros, stating categorically &#8220;Every rider worth his money wants to have worn it at some point. Without the Tour, Remco Evenepoel is always at the start.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cThe Belgian Championship is somewhat of an anachronism in today\u2019s cycling. Teams of three against teams of twenty-three, somewhere around a church tower or town hall. It gets in the way of altitude training camps, and team sponsors aren\u2019t exactly keen on a jersey where the national flag obstructs their own logo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I don\u2019t join those who think the Belgian jersey means nothing anymore.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Sunday&#8217;s race, Lefevere said he&#8217;ll be backing Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) for the title on the flat course, arguing that he had given a better impression in the most recent stage race in the Tour of Belgium. <\/p>\n<p>But in any case, Lefevere said, regardless of who was going to win, he would never miss the chance to watch the Nationals, pointing out that, &#8220;On a flat course, even with a Belgian peloton, you still see the world\u2019s top riders in action.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68f5de25-5a14-45bf-a237-e18b995e28bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Belgian National Championships mandate could mean Remco Evenepoel is banned from racing for nine days<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training Camps<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Cycling isn&#8217;t forever&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel keeps broader perspective on sport as return to racing at Amstel Gold looms<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Pro Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Youth and experience on display as Bahrain-Victorious announce balanced squad for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Irish National Championships: Seth Dunwoody edges Rory Townsend to win elite men\u2019s title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Italian National Championships: Elisa Longo Borghini continues to rule supreme with seventh road race title of career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch the Tour de France 2026 \u2013 TV, streaming, official broadcasters for the biggest race in the world<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Youth and experience on display as Bahrain-Victorious announce balanced squad for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">National Championships: French men&#8217;s road race shortened due to extreme heat<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Devastated Gregor M\u00fchlberger out of Tour de France, could Olav Kooij take his spot on Decathlon CMA CGM?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec.png\" 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I fully understand&#8217; &#8211; Patrick Lefevere backs former protege Remco Evenepoel over decision to skip Belgian Nationals as Tour de France looms<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-28T09:59:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former team manager describes Nationals as &#8220;something of an anachronism&#8221; in weekly newspaper column<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1600w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-750-80.jpg.webp 750w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">2026 Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge: Remco Evenepoel after his last race of the spring<\/span><span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 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according to Belgian Cycling Federation regulations, which stipulate all pro racers must take part in that event, could hypothetically result in a short suspension.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5d69ec6-be1f-4485-bad6-fe6dd73b4196-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This could potentially affect his participation in the Tour de France, although it is thought unlikely that such a suspension would actually happen, particularly as riders have missed the Belgian Nationals in the past without penalisation.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian star has not raced this Spring since Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, with the July 4 start in the Tour de France his next event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel 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whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Evenepoel&#8217;s absence from the Nationals and the possible penalty have caused something of a minor media storm in Belgium, with Lefevere now weighing in his weekly <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> column in support for his former protege at QuickStep, which Lefevere managed for over two decades.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cEvery year at the Belgian Cycling Championships, we get the same role-playing: riders who suddenly fall ill or suddenly feel a slight overload and therefore have to withdraw &#8216;with a heavy heart&#8217;. A week later, they start the Tour de France fit and cheerful,&#8221; Levefere wrote.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Belgian National Championships mandate could mean Remco Evenepoel is banned from racing for nine days<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The doctor&#8217;s notes come in to the Belgian federation, and they just have to take it all in their stride. Someone probably has to reply &#8216;get well soon&#8217; as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lefevere described the mandatory participation in the Belgian Nationals as &#8220;an absurd situation&#8221; but he also said he understood the logic behind it. With very little money available for the Belgian National Federation and few commercially viable opportunities to help boost their profile, an event like the Nationals guaranteed some return for host towns and cities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Lefevere also said in his <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> column he understood why stage racers like Evenepoel wanted to stay away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He naturally thinks &#8211; &#8216; No way am I going to jeopardize my Tour in Brasschaat&#8221; &#8211; the location of this year&#8217;s Nationals &#8211; &#8220;with zero elevation gain,&#8221; Lefevere wrote.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I saw Remco Evenepoel win the flat Belgian Championship in Izegem and even the Gullegem Kermesse, but if he goes for the doctor&#8217;s note now too, I fully understand.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Cycling isn&#8217;t forever&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel keeps broader perspective on sport as return to racing at Amstel Gold looms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lefevere said he disagreed with a currently popular argument that the Belgian National Champion&#8217;s jersey had little importance for pros, stating categorically &#8220;Every rider worth his money wants to have worn it at some point. Without the Tour, Remco Evenepoel is always at the start.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cThe Belgian Championship is somewhat of an anachronism in today\u2019s cycling. Teams of three against teams of twenty-three, somewhere around a church tower or town hall. It gets in the way of altitude training camps, and team sponsors aren\u2019t exactly keen on a jersey where the national flag obstructs their own logo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I don\u2019t join those who think the Belgian jersey means nothing anymore.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Sunday&#8217;s race, Lefevere said he&#8217;ll be backing Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) for the title on the flat course, arguing that he had given a better impression in the most recent stage race in the Tour of Belgium. <\/p>\n<p>But in any case, Lefevere said, regardless of who was going to win, he would never miss the chance to watch the Nationals, pointing out that, &#8220;On a flat course, even with a Belgian peloton, you still see the world\u2019s top riders in action.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68f5de25-5a14-45bf-a237-e18b995e28bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5QLhaPay9asJvmaNsCjFVZ.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Alasdair Fotheringham<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Alasdair Fotheringham has been reporting on cycling since 1991. He has covered every Tour de France since 1992 bar one, as well as numerous other bike races of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic Games in 2008 to the now sadly defunct Subida a Urkiola hill climb in Spain. As well as working for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em>, he has also written for <em>The Independent<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>The Guardian<\/em>,\u00a0 <em>ProCycling<\/em>, <em>The Express<\/em> and <em>Reuters<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Belgian National Championships mandate could mean Remco Evenepoel is banned from racing for nine days<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Training Camps<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Cycling isn&#8217;t forever&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel keeps broader perspective on sport as return to racing at Amstel Gold looms<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Pro Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ETHSCvhJmsvysUpX3yZeYJ-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Youth and experience on display as Bahrain-Victorious announce balanced squad for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Nytfb6kMapPQ5ugYEEppjg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Irish National Championships: Seth Dunwoody edges Rory Townsend to win elite men\u2019s title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/d5VHnf4VDfsgishc6FRALK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Italian National Championships: Elisa Longo Borghini continues to rule supreme with seventh road race title of career<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;My career is already more than successful&#8217; \u2013 Pressure-free Mathieu van der Poel eyes up another stint in yellow at Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pcGciFvc5jnzZzQ9GtoSFL-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Streaming<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">How to watch the Tour de France 2026 \u2013 TV, streaming, official broadcasters for the biggest race in the world<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ysuknAoNXQpBSCJq5XWJHH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">UAE Team Emirates-XRG Tour de France team confirmed as Tadej Poga\u010dar assembles &#8216;a fantastic group of teammates and staff&#8217; to chase fifth title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/GVCgyEFBeWAPvqGW9eWsi3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Youth and experience on display as Bahrain-Victorious announce balanced squad for Tour de France<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/iDyEmv9DxGZQLYGwpjtCGD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">National Championships: French men&#8217;s road race shortened due to extreme heat<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7empLJw2YuFU2XLX5KQef3-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Devastated Gregor M\u00fchlberger out of Tour de France, could Olav Kooij take his spot on Decathlon CMA CGM?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\"><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-320-80.png.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-640-80.png.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-720-80.png.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec-1280-80.png.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec.png\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YVZUNpCWEv7ZdmtC8RWec.png\" 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class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Write off Jonas Vingegaard at your peril, but there is one thing that could let him down at this Tour de France<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;I fully understand&#8217; &#8211; Patrick Lefevere backs former protege Remco Evenepoel over decision to skip Belgian Nationals as Tour de France looms<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline font-ui-heading text-[12px]\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nAlasdair Fotheringham <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-06-28T09:59:00Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n28 June 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Former team manager describes Nationals as &#8220;something of an anachronism&#8221; in weekly newspaper column<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit))] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li 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newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-a5d69ec6-be1f-4485-bad6-fe6dd73b4196\">Remco Evenepoel has received strong support from his former team manager Patrick Lefevere regarding the rider&#8217;s decision to skip the Belgian National Championships this year in order to remain fully focused on his build-up for the fast-approaching Tour de France.<\/p>\n<p>The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider has opted to miss the Nationals, a decision which according to Belgian Cycling Federation regulations, which stipulate all pro racers must take part in that event, could hypothetically result in a short suspension.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a5d69ec6-be1f-4485-bad6-fe6dd73b4196-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This could potentially affect his participation in the Tour de France, although it is thought unlikely that such a suspension would actually happen, particularly as riders have missed the Belgian Nationals in the past without penalisation.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian star has not raced this Spring since Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge, with the July 4 start in the Tour de France his next event.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand inline-flex items-center\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block h-[18px] w-auto shrink-0 brightness-0 invert\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/flexiimages\/gmvwmhupgi1715762145.svg\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] max-h-12 w-auto\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Evenepoel&#8217;s absence from the Nationals and the possible penalty have caused something of a minor media storm in Belgium, with Lefevere now weighing in his weekly <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> column in support for his former protege at QuickStep, which Lefevere managed for over two decades.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cEvery year at the Belgian Cycling Championships, we get the same role-playing: riders who suddenly fall ill or suddenly feel a slight overload and therefore have to withdraw &#8216;with a heavy heart&#8217;. A week later, they start the Tour de France fit and cheerful,&#8221; Levefere wrote.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/E36Jq3kiuz2QDkGXano9aK-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Belgian National Championships mandate could mean Remco Evenepoel is banned from racing for nine days<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/zce5G3DYsHjGfsRMTdjQpF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;I told him for so many years to do it, and he didn&#8217;t&#8217; \u2013 Patrick Lefevere reacts to Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s Tour of Flanders debut, having failed to convince him at Soudal-QuickStep<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CZEVvXJSXdg39mQVz8Q7a4-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Only winning is good enough&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel faces unreasonably high Belgian expectations at Tour de France, writes Thomas De Gendt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The doctor&#8217;s notes come in to the Belgian federation, and they just have to take it all in their stride. Someone probably has to reply &#8216;get well soon&#8217; as well.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lefevere described the mandatory participation in the Belgian Nationals as &#8220;an absurd situation&#8221; but he also said he understood the logic behind it. With very little money available for the Belgian National Federation and few commercially viable opportunities to help boost their profile, an event like the Nationals guaranteed some return for host towns and cities.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pPUoRUuuEfDH5SwUMYPNDo slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">However, Lefevere also said in his <em>Nieuwsblad<\/em> column he understood why stage racers like Evenepoel wanted to stay away.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;He naturally thinks &#8211; &#8216; No way am I going to jeopardize my Tour in Brasschaat&#8221; &#8211; the location of this year&#8217;s Nationals &#8211; &#8220;with zero elevation gain,&#8221; Lefevere wrote.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I saw Remco Evenepoel win the flat Belgian Championship in Izegem and even the Gullegem Kermesse, but if he goes for the doctor&#8217;s note now too, I fully understand.&#8221;<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NvXNZVT9tCsTr4MWuBWrXF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">No racing for Remco Evenepoel for a full 69 days before Tour de France to start &#8216;completely fresh&#8217;<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5qssNZuoNa5Ti9XjbDfDTF-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">68 days: Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe explain why Remco Evenepoel is not racing for over two months as part of Tour de France build-up<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/MYxXm56Q4LdQaEW4TPqPmD-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;Cycling isn&#8217;t forever&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel keeps broader perspective on sport as return to racing at Amstel Gold looms<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Lefevere said he disagreed with a currently popular argument that the Belgian National Champion&#8217;s jersey had little importance for pros, stating categorically &#8220;Every rider worth his money wants to have worn it at some point. Without the Tour, Remco Evenepoel is always at the start.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\u201cThe Belgian Championship is somewhat of an anachronism in today\u2019s cycling. Teams of three against teams of twenty-three, somewhere around a church tower or town hall. It gets in the way of altitude training camps, and team sponsors aren\u2019t exactly keen on a jersey where the national flag obstructs their own logo.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;But I don\u2019t join those who think the Belgian jersey means nothing anymore.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">As for Sunday&#8217;s race, Lefevere said he&#8217;ll be backing Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Premier Tech) for the title on the flat course, arguing that he had given a better impression in the most recent stage race in the Tour of Belgium. <\/p>\n<p>But in any case, Lefevere said, regardless of who was going to win, he would never miss the chance to watch the Nationals, pointing out that, &#8220;On a flat course, even with a Belgian peloton, you still see the world\u2019s top riders in action.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-68f5de25-5a14-45bf-a237-e18b995e28bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>The world\u2019s biggest bike race deserves world-class coverage. Subscribe to Cyclingnews for unlimited access to our unrivalled reporting of the 2026 Tour de France. From Barcelona through to Paris, our experienced team will bring you breaking news, expert insight, and in-depth coverage from every stage as the battle for the yellow jersey plays out. Plus, access the Cyclingnews app to follow the action on the go! <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/i-fully-understand-patrick-lefevere-backs-former-protege-remco-evenepoel-over-decision-to-skip-belgian-nationals-as-tour-de-france-looms\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/CVfhEn8X7w4BWCmuLnMxmW-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 Belgian National Championships mandate could mean Remco Evenepoel is banned from racing for nine days 2 Tour de France team-by-team guide \u2013 Line-up, leaders and ambitions for every squad on the start list 3 Who will win the Tour de France 2026? Our definitive ranking of the favourites for the yellow [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2017027","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2017027","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2017027"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2017027\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2017027"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2017027"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2017027"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}