In a jaw-dropping confession that’s shaken the cycling world, Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel has peeled back the curtain on a hidden health crisis that’s been plaguing his performance during the Criterium du Dauphiné. While many expected the Belgian prodigy to storm onto the podium, he now reveals he’s been quietly battling a relentless pollen allergy that could put his Tour de France dreams in jeopardy.
“I have been struggling with my pollen allergy for a whole week,” Evenepoel told Sporza and VTM, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “Maybe I am also a bit short due to my poor winter. That is important at this level.”
Evenepoel, who is sitting in a promising fourth place in the general classification, might seem poised to challenge the likes of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, but behind the scenes, it’s been a very different story. Despite starting each day feeling optimistic, the wheels come off during the final stretches—an issue he suspects is deeply tied to his allergy flare-up.
“I always feel good in the morning. It just doesn’t really show in the finals. I just have to deal with it now and hope that everything will improve towards the Tour.”
The pollen allergy has sapped his power, blurred his focus, and dulled the razor edge needed to attack the mountain stages with full force. Yet Evenepoel isn’t one to make excuses. He openly admits there could be multiple culprits behind his struggle, citing a lackluster winter as another potential setback. However, he remains determined to regroup.
“There is still enough time to analyze and prepare everything,” he said.
With just one stage left in this year’s Dauphiné—a punchy finish at Mont Cenis—Evenepoel knows all eyes are on him. The terrain, featuring a final brutal climb with a gradient of nearly 8% in the last six kilometers, is tailor-made for climbers. Yet, Evenepoel is cautious but hopeful.
“I think there is a lot of interest in the early breakaway, so I expect a fierce battle. The final climb is not easy. We’re going back to altitude, and that changes everything.”
There’s still a glimmer of hope for a dramatic finale. Evenepoel hinted that if his legs feel right, he’s ready to go all in.
“If I feel good, I will try something to get closer to Lipowitz. Whether that will be for the stage win, we will see. I suspect the breakaway will stay away, but you never know.”
This candid revelation about his health has ignited a storm on social media, with fans divided between admiration for his grit and concern over his readiness for the Tour de France. Is Evenepoel simply being transparent, or is this a red flag for Quick-Step’s Tour strategy?
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. With Pogacar chasing his 100th career victory and Vingegaard sharpening his form, Evenepoel’s vulnerability could alter the dynamics of cycling’s biggest stage race.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t just about allergies—it’s about resilience. And if Remco Evenepoel manages to overcome this challenge, the cycling world might just witness one of the greatest comebacks of modern times.
