Evenepoel could be prevented from racing in the Tour de France: "There are no exceptions"

Remco Evenepoel's participation in the upcoming Tour de France could be compromised by an unusual regulation from Belgian cycling. The Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe rider is one of the names that does not appear among the expected participants for the Belgian National Road Championship next Sunday, an absence that could lead to a sanction sufficient to prevent him from starting the Tour in Barcelona on July 4.

Remco Evenepoel could miss the Tour de France due to a peculiar rule from Belgian cycling

Unlike what happens in most countries, the regulation of the Belgian federation requires professional riders to compete in the National Championship as long as they are physically able to do so. Failure to comply with this obligation can result in a nine-day suspension.

In Evenepoel's case, such a sanction would prevent him from competing in the Tour de France, which is scheduled to start just a few days after the national championship.

Belgian Cycling reminds that participation is mandatory

In light of speculations about possible exceptions for the big stars of the peloton, the sports director of Belgian Cycling, Massimo Van Lancker, was firm in statements made to WielerFlits.

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“There are no exceptions. The Belgian National Road Championship is mandatory for all professional riders, regardless of their profile or status”.

Van Lancker also reminded that the regulation was communicated in advance to all professional cyclists in the country.

“The regulation was sent to the riders by email. It is up to each rider to know and respect it. If they cannot be present, they must take the necessary steps”.

The federation also made it clear what the way is to avoid any sanction.

“If you have a medical certificate, the absence is justified and the sanction disappears. If you do not have a certificate or a valid reason, the absence is unjustified and Belgian Cycling will take action”.

A medical certificate would avoid any punishment

The situation recalls other years when some riders expected to compete in the Tour de France cited minor ailments or physical problems to justify their absence from the national championships.

When asked about the possibility that some medical certificates might be used to avoid racing in this event, Van Lancker avoided entering into controversies.

“I am not going to question a doctor's decision. If they say a rider is too sick to start or has knee pain, I don't ask questions”.

The federation official insisted that the goal of the rule is to ensure the presence of the best cyclists in the country at one of the most important races on the national calendar.

“We simply believe it is important for the best riders in Belgium to be at the start of this race”.

Tim Wellens would also be in the same situation

According to reports published in Belgium, Evenepoel would not be the only big name that could be absent. The current Belgian champion, Tim Wellens, would also not be expected to participate in the event, putting him in a similar situation.

So far, neither Evenepoel nor his team have officially communicated the reasons for his possible absence. With just over a week until the start of the Tour de France, the uncertainty now lies in whether both riders will present any medical justification or if they will ultimately choose to compete in the national championship to avoid any regulatory risk.