Eddy Merckx thoroughly enjoyed the Belgian demonstration in yesterday’s Olympic time trial. Remco Evenepoel took gold in Paris, Wout van Aert bronze. “It couldn’t be better,” says Merckx of the Olympic champion. “And for Van Aert, it could be a new beginning after the misery.”
“Unbelievable,” replied Eddy Merckx from the Belgian home in Paris, where he immediately saw Remco Evenepoel and Wout Van Aert unpacking their bags.
“Remco was the big favourite and he did it. However, it was a very technical course, and it didn’t go his way. But he did very well.”
“He’s the world time trial champion and now an Olympic champion too. It can’t get any better, can it?”
“What made the difference? The round and the way Remco came out of it. He also had the motivation to win here.”
“It’s not easy, because you have to recover and he did it calmly. He even did it perfectly.”
“In the Tour he proved that he never had a bad day and a week later he became an Olympic champion. He is a phenomenon for sure. Remco can do everything.”
“I hope he wins the Tour one day. He still has to improve in some areas, but why not? You have to believe in it.”
What made the difference? The round and the way Remco came out of it. He also had the motivation to win here.
Eddy Merckx on Remco Evenepoel
Merckx also praised Van Aert. “After a rather bad round, he got the bronze medal. That’s great for him. It will be good and maybe also a new start after the misery.”
The road race follows next Saturday. “That will give a lot of motivation. Remco and Wout are also the big favourites.”
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