Best Moments of 2024: Evenepoel podiums at Le Tour

The 24-year-old Belgian made a big impression at his first Grande Boucle appearance.

“Taking a stage victory at the Tour, and especially early in the race, made my participation there memorable long before reaching Nice. I enjoyed every single meter of the individual time trial: the only thing I had in mind that day was the win, and getting it was an incredible feeling, because it made me a stage winner in all the Grand Tours. It was a truly special day in my career.

After the crash in the Basque Country, I worked hard to get to my best possible level in time for the Tour de France, which at that moment was just three months away. It wasn’t an easy season, with that crash that forced me to miss important racing days, and the subsequent recovery, but with the support of the team and my family, I managed to be ready in time for July. The fact that I finished on the Tour de France podium at my first appearance, after three long and demanding weeks, was a great achievement.

I took a victory in France, I also took the prestigious white jersey, and became the youngest Belgian in more than five decades to be in the top three at the Grande Boucle, so I think there are plenty of reasons to be proud of what I achieved last summer. The level of the GC riders was an incredible one, and I did my best every single time, leaving everything out there on what was a hard and demanding race, that’s why being on the podium in Nice was so emotional.

It’s a result that wouldn’t have been possible without those around me, who support me and believe in me all the time, and something that gives me the confidence and motivation that I can return at the start and fight for the yellow jersey one day.”

Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele / Getty Images