Remco Evenepoel 'would have probably stopped career' without wife's support as he prepares for return after injury at Brabantse Pijl
By Matt Jones
Published 15/04/2025 at 19:41 GMT+1
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Remco Evenepoel has revealed he may have quit cycling, had it not been for the support of his wife. The 25-year-old is set to make his comeback this week after a harrowing crash. The incident in December left him with nerve damage, as well as injuries to his ribs, shoulder and hands. He has described his recovery as "the hardest battle of my life so far" ahead of Friday's Brabantse Pijl.
Evenepoel, Cavendish, Pogacar and more - cycling's iconic celebrations of 2024
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Remco Evenepoel has described his return to full fitness as "the hardest battle of my life so far".
The Belgian cyclist suffered a horror crash in training in December when he collided with the door of a postal van.
The incident left him with nerve damage, as well as injuries to his ribs, hand and shoulder.
He will be back in the saddle on Friday, April 18 at Brabantse Pijl, also known as La Fleche Brabanconne, in his homeland.
The event is his first in 2025, and he has paid tribute to his wife Oumi Rayane for helping him recover.
"Finally my comeback week has arrived," he wrote on Instagram. "After days, weeks, months of waiting and waiting, I can finally look towards my first races.
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"The way to where I am now has been very hard and challenging. Definitely the hardest battle of my life so far.
"Mentally and physically, I can honestly say that I have been under the ground and really doubted a lot of my future.
"Loads of tears and frustration were present in our life. But, for this reason I want to show you all who really has been there for me.
"In first place (of course) my lovely wife! Passing this whole dark period with me has not been easy.
"The way you worked hard to pass all your exams, was unseen! That combined with me being injured and mentally down, I can only say: thank you so much for everything habiba.
"Every day you came up with a lesson. You have been teaching me so much stuff, on all aspects in life! How to get through hard periods, how to stay focussed, how to be happy while it is difficult.
"We had and will still have loads of prayers together, which is such an incredible thing you taught me. And which is such an incredible feeling to share with you!"
Evenepoel is a two-time Olympic champion, having claimed the road race and time trial gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
That was the cherry on the cake of an amazing year for the Belgian, who came in overall third at the Tour de France, having also landed his first stage victory at the event.
Big things were therefore expected of the 25-year-old this season, before he got injured.
He admitted that had it not been for the support of his loved ones, he may not have got back on his bike at all.
"I just want to tell, that without you, I would probably have stopped my career," he said of his wife. "That is from where you helped me crawling back up.
"I can only say that I love you so much and thank you for who you are. You are the most beautiful person (inside and outside) in the whole universe.
"And I am so incredibly proud to be you [sic] husband and to be able to fight for us and our future."
"I definitely have to thank my parents as well for always being there for me. And helping me with whatever it can be!
"Since I was a very young kid you guys have been doing everything for me, and I will for sure never forget that!
"A big thank you to my family members from both sides and close friends (which is not a big number) for reaching out, and trying to make me a bit happier whenever I could use it.
"Everything you did for me, I will never forget and definitely give it in return!"
How to watch Brabantse Pijl on TNT Sports and discovery+
Brabantse Pijl takes place on Friday, April 18.
Evenepoel is one of several big names amongst a field that also includes 2021 champion Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert and Biniam Girmay.
The one-day event takes place over a 175.4km course and includes 22 climbs.
Watch and stream the cycling season live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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