Remco Evenepoel opens up on decision to abandon Tour de France - 'It's okay to stop, It’s okay to feel tired, It’s okay to be human'
By Alex Livie
Published 24/07/2025 at 19:11 GMT+1
React to this story
The 2025 Tour de France ended in disappointment for Remco Evenepoel, as the Soudal Quick-Step rider abandoned on Stage 14. He has come in for criticism, and a few days on from stepping off his bike he has issued a statement explain his thought process and why he was proud of the decision he made. The Belgian also hopes that his decision can act as an inspiration for others when times are tough.
‘There’s so many things we don’t know’ – Breakaway debate Evenepoel withdrawal
Video credit: TNT Sports
Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) has admitted abandoning the Tour de France was "the hardest decision I’ve made in a long time" but one he said was right for his long-term future.
The 2025 Tour de France was Evenepoel’s major aim for the season, with the 25-year-old targeting to at least repeat his podium finish from the previous year.
He started well and secured victory in the time trial on Stage 5, but cracked in the second week and climbed off his bike on Stage 14.
His decision to abandon led to plenty of criticism, with TNT Sports and discovery+ commentator Carlton Kirby describing the coverage as "almost relentless, bordering on cruel, because the expectations are so high".
Five days on from his decision to abandon, Evenepoel took to Instagram to outline why he stepped off his bike - revealing he went into the Tour with a broken rib.
"What was meant to be the highlight of my season turned into a disappointment," Evenepoel said.
- Pogacar tightens grip on yellow as O'Connor wins queen stage and Onley nears podium
- Ranking the yellow jersey contenders for the 2025 Tour de France Femmes
Evenepoel suggested he had been playing catch up throughout 2025 after sustaining an injury during the winter, and suffered a further setback on the eve of the race.
"Just before the Tour came another crash," the Belgian said. "At the National Championships I broke a rib again.
"So I lined up for the hardest race in the world with a broken rib and a tired body.
"But I didn’t want to let go of the goal I had fought so hard for.
"Despite it all, I gave everything. I managed to win a stage, wear the white jersey [young rider competition] for several days and stand high in the GC.
"The price of those efforts started to tell. Twelve days in, I cracked. Everything I had been carrying caught up with me. I didn’t want to give up. I fought as hard as I possibly could."
On Stage 14, Evenepoel waved away a camera motorbike as he dropped off the peloton to talk to his team, before taking the decision to abandon.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/07/19/image-bd2acba6-e47e-4367-818c-310e04747442-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Really frustrated' - Evenepoel tells cameras to 'go away' as he exits Tour de France
Video credit: TNT Sports
Having taken a few days away, Evenepoel felt it was the wisest decision he could make, as it turned out he had picked up a virus.
"That day became one of the rawest and most vulnerable moments of my career," he said. "I broke, and strangely enough I’m proud of it.
"That moment, as hard as it was, showed that I’m human.
"Leaving the Tour was the hardest decision I’ve made in a long time. But it was the right one.
"For once, I truly listened to my body and I hope that moment sends a message, especially to the younger riders watching: It's okay to stop, It’s okay to feel tired, It’s okay to be human.
"Sometimes stepping back is the strongest thing you can do."
Evenepoel said he would be taking some time away "to rest and recover" and gave no indication of his plans for the second half of the season.
- - -
Stream the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement