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Remco Evenepoel wins Aalst criterium and eyeing Tour triumph after strong Tour de France
Remco Evenepoel finished second in the 2026 Tour de France, the best Belgian placement since Lucien Van Impe in 1981. Within 24 hours he claimed victory at the Natourcriterium in his hometown Aalst, performing before an estimated 75,000 spectators.
He continued his post‑Tour success by winning criterium races in Roeselare and Alost, reinforcing his dominance on the Belgian circuit. Team director Patrick Lefevere, who previously doubted Evenepoel’s capacity to contest three weeks, affirmed that the rider has disproved those doubts and remains a strong candidate for a future Tour win. Former world champion Philippe Gilbert also highlighted Evenepoel’s potential to become world champion, suggesting he could outshine rival Tadej Pogačar. Evenepoel stated he will stay focused for the upcoming Classic of San Sebastián on 1 August, using the criterium races to maintain form.
The series of victories and public acclaim have elevated Evenepoel to a national hero status, with large crowds turning out to celebrate his achievements.
Entities
Alpecin‑Premier Tech · Jasper Philipsen · Patrick Lefevere · Philippe Gilbert · Remco Evenepoel · Tadej Pogacar · Wout van Aert
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Evenepoel said he will stay focused for the Classic of San Sebastián on 1 August. www.sport365.fr · ringtv.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Wout van Aert is a teammate who can support Evenepoel in upcoming races. www.wielernieuws.be
- [● 4 SOURCES] Remco Evenepoel finished second in the 2026 Tour de France. www.brujulabike.com · lequotidien.lu · www.sport365.fr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] His second place was the best result for a Belgian cyclist in the Tour since Lucien Van Impe in 1981. www.brujulabike.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Evenepoel also won criterium races in Roeselare and Alost after the Tour. p-magazine.com · www.sport365.fr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Remco Evenepoel won the Natourcriterium in Aalst within 24 hours of his Tour de France finish, in front of about 75,000 spectators. www.brujulabike.com · ringtv.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Philippe Gilbert predicted Evenepoel could become world champion, potentially beating Tadej Pogačar. www.wielernieuws.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Patrick Lefevere said he previously doubted Evenepoel’s ability to contest three weeks but was proven wrong and sees him as a future Tour winner. www.redactie24.be