Remco Evenepoel (Soudal-QuickStep) has spotted an opportunity to grab the yellow jersey in the first week of the 2025 Tour de France, describing the course as “a very special route, but very beautiful”.
The Belgian finished third overall on his Tour debut this summer, taking home the white jersey of Best Young Rider and showing his love for the Tour. Evenepoel also took victory in the seventh stage time trial in Gevrey-Chambertin and hopes to do the same in the 33km fifth stage time trial in Caen next July.
However, he said the two time trials – including the second 11km mountain test in Peyragudes – will not have too much of an impact on the overall standings.
“A time trial so early in the race gives me the chance to get the yellow jersey in the first week,” said Evenepoel L’Equipe following the Tour de France route presentation on Tuesday.
“This won’t have much significance for the overall ranking, as there are still many mountains and stages to overcome.”
The 2025 Tour de France begins in the northern city of Lille, near the Belgian border, giving sprinters the chance to fight for the first leader’s yellow jersey.
The tour includes a mountain-heavy route with summit climbs in Hautacam, Superbagnères, Mont Ventoux, the Col de la Loze and La Plagne, which accompany the mountain time trial.
“It’s a very special route, but very beautiful!” said Evenepoel.
“The Grand Départ is not far from my homeland and from Belgium,” he added, perhaps in a call for support next July.
“The mountain stages seem beautiful to me, with many mythical passes to climb.”
