Cycling Champion Evenepoel Reveals Personal Journey in New Autobiography

The daily Het Laatste Nieuws has revealed in preview some excerpts from the work, which is already shaping up to be a must-read for cycling enthusiasts. Evenepoel addresses various topics, from his meeting with his Moroccan-born wife to his greatest victories, including the difficult moments of his career.

The cyclist notably discusses his relationship with Oumi, whom he met in Morocco in 1997 when he was just a child. A romance that began on vacation and continued in Schepdaal, Belgium, where the two families moved in. Evenepoel confides that his marriage to Oumi has profoundly transformed him: "I have a different mindset. It’s linked to the Arab culture that she introduced me to," he explains. "I learned from Oumi that I should only control what is controllable." A philosophy that has allowed him to better manage the pressure and come back stronger after his serious fall during the 2020 Tour of Lombardy.

Evenepoel also discusses this fall, a significant episode in his career. "Lombardy was a good lesson," he acknowledges. "I learned that I have immense resilience." An accident that, he says, made him aware of the importance of his loved ones and his ability to overcome adversity.

The year 2022, marked by his victories at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Vuelta a España and the World Championships, was a turning point in his career. "Everything went perfectly," he recalls. "I had shown what I was capable of, the pressure was gone."

The young champion also addresses the criticism regarding his alleged arrogance. A facet of his personality that he fully assumes, while focusing on his future goals. "My starting goal is also my final goal: victory in the Tour, the Giro and the Vuelta," he says. "It is only then that the circle will be complete for me." An ambitious challenge for the young cyclist, who at only 24 years old already has an impressive record.