No Foolin’: Remco Evenepoel makes surprise Flanders announcement

Yes, it may be April Fool’s Day here in North America. But, when it comes to the possibility of hometown hero Remco Evenepoel’s rumoured Tour of Flanders / Ronde van Vlaanderen debut, the Belgian’s aren’t joking around.

After weeks of rumours and sightings, and consistant denials from both team and coaches, it is finally confirmed. Remco Evenepoel will start this Sunday’s Tour of Flanders. It will be the Belgian’s debut at the iconic Monument of cycling.

If you’re wondering if this is a big deal –  or how big of a deal this is – Evenepoel and Red Bull have a full YouTube episode, celebrity appearance and rally car stunt driver just for the announcement that he will race. Never mind that he’s still got Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar to deal with. The Belgians are super hyped than their golden boy (double golden boy) is finally racing the Ronde. Think “Sidney Crosby playing in his first Olympics” levels of excitement.

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Here’s Evenpoel detailing all his secret training, in his most charismatic television voice:

And here’s Average Rob and Thierry Neuville driving and painting cobbles in Flanders ahead of Remco’s debut. Again, Red Bull is really excited about this. Even if he’s going up against the Richard Mille watch brothers, MvdP and Pogi. And, you know, a few other big teams.