Remco Evenepoel Aims to Become Belgium’s 11th Tour de France Winner
Ten Belgians have triumphed in the Tour de France throughout its long history, with the last victory occurring nearly half a century ago. Remco Evenepoel, a rising cycling star, is poised to bring the championship back to Belgium, carrying the hopes of the nation as the 2025 edition commences. As a cycling-mad country, Belgium has eagerly awaited a local champion since Lucien Van Impe’s victory in 1976. Evenepoel, the winner of the 2022 Vuelta a España and third-place finisher in last year’s Tour, stands as the nations’ beacon of hope, reports 24brussels.
The 25-year-old from Schepdaal, near Brussels, aspires to join the ranks of Belgian legends like Eddy “The Cannibal” Merckx, who won the Tour five times between 1969 and 1974. Merckx’s birthday this year marked his 80th, and he remains a vital part of Belgium’s cycling heritage.
After Merckx, all subsequent Belgian Tour winners achieved their victories prior to World War II, with Defraeye being the first in 1912. Philippe Thys added to this legacy by becoming the first cyclist to win three times—1913, 1914, and 1920—showcasing Belgium’s early dominance in cycling.
Notably, the decade of the 1920s saw further successes with four additional Belgian winners, including Firmin Lambot and Léon Scieur. Lambot’s and Scieur’s triumphs stemmed from the same hometown in Florennes. The victories during this period were often marked by challenging circumstances; for instance, Buysse overcame personal tragedy to clinch his title in 1926.
Recent Developments and Challenges
With hopes high for Evenepoel, the upcoming Tours present fierce competition. The reigning champion, Tadej Pogacar, is favored to retain his title, with Jonas Vingegaard from Denmark serving as his leading rival. Despite the odds, Evenepoel’s late start to professional cycling—having transitioned from football—has left him ample time to achieve his dreams and deliver thrilling moments for Belgian fans.
This year’s Tour began on July 5, creating a palpable surge of excitement within the cycling community. Should Evenepoel secure victory, he would not only become the 11th Belgian Tour winner but also reignite the nation’s passion for cycling, reminiscent of the glory days of Merckx and his predecessors.
As the race unfolds, the eyes of Belgium and cycling enthusiasts worldwide will be on Evenepoel, hoping that he can alter the course of history and conquer one of the sport’s most prestigious events.
