Remco Evenepoel opts against racing La Flèche Wallonne after all, with full focus on next showdown with Tadej Pogačar

Remco Evenepoel has decided to forgo competing in La Flèche Wallonne this week, choosing instead to concentrate fully on his preparation for Liège-Bastogne-Liège and his anticipated duel with defending champion Tadej Pogačar. The Belgian rider secured a notable victory at the Amstel Gold Race on Sunday, but despite initially expressing interest in racing La Flèche Wallonne, his team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, confirmed that recovery would take precedence to ensure peak performance at the upcoming Monument event. This strategic withdrawal highlights Evenepoel’s prioritisation of long-term goals over immediate race participation. La Flèche Wallonne has historically been less favourable terrain for Evenepoel, with previous results including a ninth place last year and a 43rd place finish in 2022, largely due to the race’s challenging Mur de Huy climb, which does not suit his riding style. In contrast, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he is a two-time winner, offers a more suitable battleground for his strengths. This year’s edition promises to be a high-profile contest, with Evenepoel set to face Pogačar, who dominated the race last year with a commanding solo victory. The build-up to this encounter has generated significant interest given both riders’ form and rivalry. Evenepoel’s recent performance at Amstel Gold Race demonstrated a return to full fitness following a serious injury sustained in late 2025, when he was doored and suffered multiple fractures. His victory there, achieved in a two-up sprint, signals that he is now competing at his best, setting the stage for a compelling showdown against Pogačar, who has not raced since Paris-Roubaix. The Liège-Bastogne-Liège race will also feature other strong contenders such as Tom Pidcock and rising French talent Paul Seixas, adding further intrigue to the Monument. The decision to skip La Flèche Wallonne not only underscores the physical demands of the Ardennes Classics but also reflects a tactical approach to the spring campaign. By focusing on recovery and targeting Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Evenepoel and his team are aiming to maximise his chances of success against one of the sport’s most formidable rivals. The upcoming race will be closely watched as a key moment in the season and a potential indicator of form ahead of the summer’s major events.