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Evenepoel Triumphs in Brabantse Pijl, Signals Remarkable Comeback After Injury

In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Remco Evenepoel clinched victory at the Brabantse Pijl one-day race on Friday, marking a triumphant return to competitive cycling just four months after a serious training accident

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The 25-year-old Belgian cyclist, who suffered a severe shoulder injury in December, surprised even himself with his performance, outpacing fellow Belgian Wout Van Aert in a thrilling sprint to the finish line.

“I surprised myself. I was very fresh,” Evenepoel remarked after the race. “I’m especially pleased with my sprint. I’ve been working a lot on my explosiveness recently, and it’s paid off.” His victory comes as a beacon of hope for fans and supporters who have followed his journey through recovery.

The race unfolded dramatically as Evenepoel, Van Aert, and British cyclist Joseph Blackmore broke away from the pack approximately 49 kilometers from the finish. The duo dropped Blackmore on the challenging cobbled climb of Hertstraat with just 15 kilometers remaining, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. Evenepoel’s father, Patrick, was visibly emotional at the finish line, expressing pride in his son’s achievement. “Some people had doubts about his ability to return to the highest level once again. This is the best answer of all,” Patrick Evenepoel stated. “Today, I’m happy for my child, more than for the athlete.”

Evenepoel’s journey back to the top has been fraught with challenges. The double gold medalist from last year’s Paris Olympics faced a career-threatening injury when he crashed into an open door of a postal van. “It would have ended my career if I had been a tennis or basketball player,” he noted, revealing the gravity of his situation. Despite racing with a bandage on his right shoulder, which continues to cause him pain, Evenepoel showcased his tenacity and skill on the course.

The victory at Brabantse Pijl has reignited Evenepoel’s competitive spirit, fueled by watching other cyclists excel during his recovery. “Pogacar is an inspiration,” he said, referencing fellow cyclist Tadej Pogacar, who will join the field at the upcoming Amstel Gold Classic on Sunday. “But I have to be able to beat him. That’s what my team pays me for.”

Looking ahead, Evenepoel has ambitious plans for the remainder of the cycling season. Following the Amstel Gold Classic, he intends to compete in the Fleche Wallonne on April 23 and the prestigious Liege-Bastogne-Liege on April 27. After these one-day races, he will shift his focus to stage racing, preparing for the Tour de Romandie from April 30 to May 4, which serves as a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal: the Tour de France.

VIDEO: 2025 Brabantse Pijl Finish

2025 Brabantse Pijl Results Top 10

1   Evenepoel Remco Soudal Quick-Step 200 03:35:14
2   van Aert Wout Team Visma | Lease a Bike 150 + 00
3   Morgado António UAE Team Emirates-XRG 125 + 27
4   Aranburu Alex Cofidis 100 + 27
5   Prades Eduard Caja Rural-Seguros RGA 85 + 27
6   Christen Fabio Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team 70 + 27
7   Powless Neilson EF Education-EasyPost 60 + 27
8   Silva Thomas Caja Rural-Seguros RGA 50 + 27
9   Menten Milan Lotto 40 + 27
10   Del Grosso Tibor Alpecin-Deceuninck 35 + 27