Evenepoel wins on return from serious injury

Remco Evenepoel, the double Olympic champion, won when he made his return to action following a string of bone fractures in a serious accident last year.

The Belgian won the Brabantse Pijl, which was held on the roads in the area he grew up in four months after suffering rib, shoulder, and hand injuries in the training accident.

After colliding with a postal vehicle’s open door, the 25-year-old also suffered lung contusions, a dislocated right clavicle, and several torn ligaments.

Evenepoel said that if I had played tennis or basketball, my career would have come to an end as a result on Thursday before the race.

With just under a third of the lead, Van Aert, a Soudal-Quick Step rider, and Van Aert, a British rider, joined by British rider Joe Blackmore, who is 22 years old, in the attack.

Evenpoel attacked on the final climb, but Portugal’s Antonio Morgado won the group sprint to finish third. Israeli-Premier Tech rider Blackmore was dropped.

“I’m taking my own chances.” Evenepoel remarked, “I was very fresh. I’m pleased with my sprint especially. I’ve been working hard on my explosiveness since late, and it has paid off.

Evenepoel won his first world time trial title at the World Championships in Zurich in September 2024, making it his second.

In order to prepare for the Tour de France this year, the Belgian plans to compete in the three Ardennes classics as well as the Tour de Romandie.

Last summer’s Paris Games included gold in the Olympic time trail and road race.