The words of Vingegaard and Evenepoel before today’s European Championship: “This course is much more…”

Here we go — just a few hours left before we finally witness a clash between Pogacar, Evenepoel, and Vingegaard in a one-day race with their national teams. It’s a historic first, as Jonas rarely takes part in one-day races and has never before worn the national jersey in competition.

The big question mark is Jonas’s form, since he skipped the World Championships in Rwanda and hasn’t raced since winning the Vuelta a España. As for Pogacar and Evenepoel, there are no doubts about their condition given their performances at the Worlds just a week ago (with the Belgian also dominating Wednesday’s time trial).

Here’s what two of today’s potential protagonists had to say at the press conference:

VINGEGAARD – “It’s something very special; racing for your country is simply beautiful. Tomorrow will be my first time doing it in a race, and I can’t wait. Without this event, my season would already be over, so coming here was a good opportunity to give it a try, and I’m happy to be with the national team. We have a strong squad, and we hope to do well. I always aim for the best possible result, and that’s also the team’s goal.

I’m coming out of the Vuelta with some uncertainty because it’s been a long season and I’ve raced two Grand Tours, so you never really know how you’re feeling. But as a team, we’re aiming for the best result possible. I wouldn’t have come here if I thought I’d be the first to get dropped. I don’t think that will happen, but I’m not 100% sure of my form either — I guess we’ll find out tomorrow. If I can’t be up there, then I’d like to help Mattias.

We rode the Côte de Saint-Romain-de-Lerps today — it’s a really tough climb. They (Pogacar and Evenepoel) were in incredible form at the Worlds, so whether or not it turns into a three-way battle doesn’t depend on them, but on me. I’ve always said I’d like to return to one-day racing, but I’ve never found the right formula for myself.

If I find it here, I’d like to do more one-day races — but maybe national team races fit my schedule better than something like Liège–Bastogne–Liège. The national races are usually later in the season, and before that, my main goal is always the Tour, which I prepare for as best I can.”

EVENEPOEL – “This course is much more selective than the one in Rwanda. On a good day, I should always be in the fight for the top positions. Tadej and I have already shown we’re in great shape, while Jonas is still a bit of a question mark. It would be nice to face each other all at our best.

I’m curious to see how Jonas is doing, because one-day races are perhaps the only type where he’s struggled a bit in the past. He’s still a great rider, and I’m looking forward to racing against him and Tadej again. As a team, we’ll take responsibility. I’ll have to think about two situations: being ready in case of an early attack, but also trying something myself if I still have the legs. I’m a winner, and I want to race like one.

The dream scenario? Arriving solo at the finish would be magnificent, but it won’t be easy. Still, I’m ready for different race situations. If the course allows it, I’ll always aim for this title. I’m always motivated, but these kinds of challenges add a special touch to my career.”

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