Double Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel says he was inspired during his injury recovery by watching Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel dominate recent one-day races.

The 25-year-old Belgian returns to competition Friday at the Brabantse Pijl and will race again Sunday at the Amstel Gold, where he will face off against Pogacar.

Crash Recovery Sparks Reflection And Motivation

Evenepoel tore shoulder ligaments in December when the door of a postal van was suddenly opened into him. "It would have ended my career if I had been a tennis or basketball player," he said.

He admitted to feeling physically and mentally drained, even imagining early retirement during his time off the bike.

"It was amazing to see Van der Poel and Pogacar battling it out," Evenepoel said. "It motivated me to push myself in training. I too want to compete at San Remo, the Ronde, and Roubaix one day."

Remco Evenepoel Returns With Big Goals Ahead

"Pogacar is an inspiration. But I have to be able to beat him. That’s what my team pays me for," Evenepoel said.

On Friday, he will be among the top contenders at the 162km Brabantse Pijl, which includes 21 hills through the Ardennes, racing alongside Tom Pidcock, Wout van Aert, and Biniam Girmay.

"That’s Remco for you. He can’t turn out thinking about coming 30th," said coach Koen Pelgrim.

The same riders will contest the 255.9km Amstel Gold on Sunday in the Netherlands, where Pogacar joins the lineup. Tom Pidcock won the race in 2024.

Evenepoel finished third overall at the 2024 Tour de France, where he also claimed the best young rider jersey. He followed that by winning gold in both the Olympic time trial and road race in Paris.