Remco Evenepoel, a two-time Olympic champion, made a strong comeback by winning a race after a serious crash last year where he broke several bones.
Four months ago, Evenepoel suffered broken ribs, a shoulder blade, and a hand during a training accident. He also hurt his lungs and tore ligaments after hitting the open door of a postal vehicle.
Back on his bike, the 25-year-old Belgian beat fellow countryman Wout van Aert in the Brabantse Pijl race, which took place near his hometown.
Before the race, Evenepoel said his injuries were so bad they could have ended his career if he played a sport like tennis or basketball.
He and Van Aert broke away from the main group with one-third of the race left. British rider Joe Blackmore joined them for a while but was left behind on a steep hill. Portugal’s Antonio Morgado came in third after winning the sprint from the chasing group.
“I’m surprised by my performance,” said Evenepoel. “I’ve been training to be more explosive, and it worked well today.”
This is his first win since taking the world time trial title in September 2024. Evenepoel now aims to race in three Ardennes classics and the Tour de Romandie to prepare for this year’s Tour de France.
Last summer, he won two Olympic gold medals in time trial and road race, and he also came third overall in the Tour de France, winning stage seven.
