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Remco Evenepoel’s story at the 2024 Olympics is one of triumph over adversity. Fresh off the back of a grueling Tour de France and a horror crash in April, the Belgian rider defied expectations to secure a stunning double gold in the time trial and road race.
Visualizing victory
Evenepoel’s journey began with visualization exercises, a technique he adopted after a career-threatening crash in 2020. He meticulously envisioned himself crossing the finish line, culminating in the iconic pose beneath the Eiffel Tower.
Bouncing back from injury
A fractured collarbone and shoulder blade sustained in April threatened to derail Evenepoel’s Olympic dreams. He pushed through a rigorous training regime to regain fitness for the Tour de France, exceeding expectations with a podium finish.
Conquering the time trial
Despite limited training time post-Tour, Evenepoel conquered the wet and technical Olympic time trial. He strategically adjusted tire pressure and pre-race fueling to optimize performance.
Road race gamble pays off
The Olympic road race presented a different challenge with smaller teams and no communication support. Evenepoel capitalized on his experience in junior racing and attacked on the climbs of Montmartre, dropping rivals and creating a breakaway.
Dramatic puncture
With victory seemingly assured, Evenepoel suffered a heart-stopping puncture just kilometers from the finish. A swift bike change by his team ensured he maintained his lead and secured the gold medal.
A celebration for the ages
Evenepoel’s pre-visualized celebration beneath the Eiffel Tower became a reality, etching a lasting image in cycling history.
Double gold and beyond
Evenepoel’s Olympic double cemented his status as a national hero in Belgium. He acknowledges this achievement surpasses his Tour de France podium finish. Looking ahead, he dreams of conquering Paris once again, this time in the yellow jersey of the Tour de France champion.
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