Cyclingflash
Remco Evenepoel stays motivated despite Pogacar’s results: "On the contrary"

Remco Evenepoel stays motivated despite Pogacar’s results: "On the contrary"

In an interview with the Italian Gazetta , Remco Evenepoel explained how Tadej Pogacar’s high level remains a motivation to bring out the best in himself. "I believe there is still a lot of room for growth," emphasizes the Belgian from Red Bull-BORA hansgrohe, who denies that the Slovenian’s performances discourage him.

Evenepoel has now accumulated 23 race days for Red Bull-BORA hansgrohe and believes he is in the right place. "With this team, I’m discovering new things about myself. It really was the right moment for a change," he tells the Italian sports newspaper.

"Every race will be an opportunity to see how this process unfolds. The change of coach and teammates gives me more motivation. Of course, I need to speak more English. There is great communication, connection, and exchange across all aspects of preparation."

Motivation through Pogacar’s Level
In the past, Evenepoel often talked about his motivation to narrow the gap between himself and Pogacar. Although the double Olympic champion is having a strong spring, the Slovenian world champion also appears to keep developing. With victories in Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, and the Tour of Flanders and a second place in Paris-Roubaix, the UAE Emirates XRG leader continues to demonstrate his superiority.

Still, according to Evenepoel, that doesn’t work as a discouragement. "No, on the contrary, it’s more of a motivation. I mainly focus on myself, on what I can do. And compared to previous seasons, my intention is to perform better."

"I want to be the best version of myself that I have ever been, the version I haven’t seen yet. On the bike, and as a person. There is so much I can learn. I believe there is still plenty of room for growth, and I think I am in the right environment to reach my goal."

According to current calendars, the two rivals will face each other again in Liège-Bastogne-Liège for the first time. Until then, Evenepoel will at least ride the Amstel Gold Race.