Remco Evenepoel: from fall to glory – A historic Olympic double

Remco Evenepoel: from fall to glory – A historic Olympic double

Remco Evenepoel’s story at the 2024 Olympics is one of triumph over adversity. After a grueling Tour de France and a horrific crash in April, the Belgian cyclist defied expectations to secure a stunning double gold medal in the time trial and road race.

View the victory

Evenepoel’s journey began with visualization exercises, a technique he adopted after a career-threatening accident in 2020. He meticulously imagined himself crossing the finish line, culminating in the iconic pose under the Eiffel Tower.

Recovering from injury

A broken collarbone and shoulder blade suffered in April threatened to derail Evenepoel’s Olympic dreams. He continued a rigorous training regime to regain his fitness for the Tour de France, exceeding expectations with a podium finish.

Conquer the time trial

Despite limited training time after the Tour, Evenepoel conquered the wet and technical Olympic time trial. He strategically adjusted his tire pressure and fueling before the race to optimize his performance.

Betting on road races pays off

The Olympic road race presented a different challenge with smaller teams and no communication support. Evenepoel capitalized on his experience in junior racing and attacked on the climbs of Montmartre, dropping his rivals and creating a breakaway.

Dramatic sting

With victory seemingly assured, Evenepoel suffered a heart-stopping puncture just a few kilometers from the finish. A quick bike change by his team ensured he maintained his lead and took home the gold medal.

A party for all ages

Evenepoel’s anticipated celebration under the Eiffel Tower has become reality, leaving an indelible image in cycling history.

Double gold and beyond

Evenepoel’s Olympic double has cemented his status as a national hero in Belgium. He acknowledges that this achievement surpasses his Tour de France podium. Looking ahead, he dreams of conquering Paris once again, this time in the Tour de France champion’s yellow jersey.

By Lily Chang

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