PARIS (France) – These are the Remco Evenepoel Games. A week ago he won the time trial, now wins the road raceHe is the first man to win gold in both the road race and the time trial in the same edition of the Games. It had only happened to Leontien van Moorsel in 2000. Joins Paolo Bettini, Hennie Kuiper and Ercole Baldini in the restricted group of cyclists capable of winning both world and Olympic gold.
They are the Games And so Remco plays. "Anyone have anything to eat?" he asks as soon as he sits down in a press room that doubles as a movie theater. And let it be a movie theater. From the audience he receives two snacks which he grabs on the fly (not at the first try) and bites into hungrily.The effort was great, the race was long and tough. "But I'm not complaining," he will clarify at the end. And rightly so.
Victory came with a decisive sprint on the final climb. Was this the plan?
We knew that those climbs, on the final circuit, could be the point where the race would be decided. The slope reminded me that of Wollongong (where Evenepoel became world champion in 2022, ed.). Slightly less steep, but longer. I immediately saw that I had a serious gap and there was no immediate reaction in the group behind me.Luckily, Wout and Jasper (Van Aert and Styuven, ed.) weren't there, so an ideal situation immediately arose. I started at a typical moment for me: when the race gets tough.At that point the average had risen, I thought it could be the right opportunity. valentine (Madouas, ed.) and I had a thirty or forty second advantage, he seemed to be doing very well. If I had pulled it off there, I would have won. And that's how it went. Yes, that was more or less the plan.
There was also a thrill. A puncture with 3,8 kilometers to go forced you to change bikes.
I picked up a cobblestone and immediately set foot on the ground. Luckily the car was behind me, as I had a minute advantageAt that moment, I got a little nervous. Especially because I thought the lead might diminish significantly. The situation wasn't very clear to meThen they told me I had a minute. And they also confirmed that nothing had happened and that I should just enjoy the moment. But I couldn't be quite sure.
It's an incredible year for you.
Yes, very special. This victory is the highest point, it has a particular flavourI'm very happy to have won the Olympic gold for my country, for the many fans who were in the streets today. A truly incredible atmosphere. It was nice to do it in front of my family and with the people who love me.They know how important this season was for me. I think I achieved my goals both at the Tour and with these two Olympic victories. It was something extraordinary: I think this was the best month of my career. (smiles, ed.)
Before stepping on the podium you were moved.
It was too much for me. Especially when I was given the other gold medal to hang around my neck by my wife OumiHe carried it around with him all day, so we could take this photo with both gold medals. It was his idea. It was beautiful, I felt like Michael Phelps!
What was the race plan?
The race had to be made tough. That's why I asked Tiesj Benoot to speed upPerhaps at first his forcing seemed excessive, but thinking back today I have nothing to complain about.
And Van der Poel's attack?
I haven't seen it. I was still struggling with the front brake and needed some more waterI wasn't too nervous. Then I saw he wasn't far away, I checked Pedersen, and took advantage of it by going all out. That's when I laid out my first winning card.
Comparisons with Eddy Merckx are being made again.
I was very happy that it was came to greet me and hug meBut I don't want to make comparisons, they are different eras, different worlds. He was number one, not only for cyclingHe's one of the greatest in sports. He's won so much, I'm thinking about my career.
How was the week after the time trial?
Very relaxed. I didn't cycle on Sunday, and only a few kilometres on Monday and Tuesday. A longer ride on Wednesday, then just some easy stuff, to make sure I'm at my best this time.
At the finish line you stopped and threw up your arms…
I wanted to enjoy the moment. And so I felt like doing this gesture, right under the Eiffel TowerI'm certainly not the first to do things like this, I hope you enjoyed it. I wanted to enjoy this moment to the fullestI deserved it and I'm happy to celebrate it with my team, my family, with those who love me. And I thank everyone who helped me, as well as my teamEveryone did their part, we were all very good.
What would you say to young people who want to start cycling?
Dream. If you dream, you can achieve your dreams. Do the right things, surround yourself with the right people. It's very important to have people around you who only think about your best interests.
And the future?
We'll see (laughs, ed.). I probably won't sleep tonight. For now I'm just enjoying my third place at the Tour and these two gold medals. (laughs again, ed.) My season was a success anyway.
