Remco Evenepoel heads into the final race before the Tour de France, the Critérium du Dauphiné, in better shape than last year according to the Soudal-QuickStep team, despite another season plagued by injuries.

If in 2024 Evenepoel arrived at the Dauphiné after the stop due to the fractures suffered in the Tour of the Basque Country, this year he had to deal with the accident in the off-season that kept him sidelined until April.

His coach Koen Pelgrim maintains a measured approach but reveals important progress: 'Remco is definitely further ahead than last year. In 2024 he started the high altitude camp with a disadvantage, struggling a lot. This year, however, he was able to start his preparation at a good level.'

A particularly positive aspect concerns the weight:

“It’s a kilo and a half lighter than the same time in 2024,” Pelgrim explained, noting that the process has been more gradual this year.

Evenepoel will face Dauphiné supported by a strong team including Eenkhoorn, Paret-Peintre, Pedersen, Reinderink, Schachmann and Vervaeke. The Belgian is keeping a low profile:

'I don't have any specific goals, I just want to see where the form is. We'll take it day by day.'

As for the Tour, despite the progress, Pelgrim remains realistic about the challenge with Pogačar and Vingegaard:

'Even though Remco has improved, it doesn't necessarily mean he will do better than last year's third place.'

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