Cycling Champion Evenepoel Credits Islamic Faith for Comeback Victory at Brabantse Pijl

Winner of the Brabantse Pijl on Friday, Remco Evenepoel drew his strength from his faith to win this first race after a long rehabilitation. The double Olympic champion learned to pray thanks to his wife Oumaima Oumi Rayane, while going through difficult times. On December 3rd, Evenepoel collided with a car door during a training session in Oetingen, in Flemish Brabant. This forced him to undergo a long rehabilitation process.

The Belgian cyclist owes this victory to his wife of Moroccan origin. "You have taught me so much, about all aspects of life," he stated in a recent Instagram post, thanking her for teaching him how to pray. On Thursday, during the press conference preceding the competition, Evenepoel emphasized the importance of prayer in his life: "For me, it’s a support, something that helps me get through life. It’s very beautiful to be able to share this with Oumi."

For now, it seems that Evenepoel has not truly converted to Islam, but is mainly attached to the ritual of prayer, from which he draws strength. According to a study conducted in America by Baylor researchers, sports and religion are linked. Several high-level athletes are believers.