Gilbert, who rode alongside Evenepoel with the Belgian team, praised the move and feels he will now be backed financially to garner stronger performances.
“Remco is right to step out of his comfort zone,” Gilbert told the Belgian newspaper Le Soir. “The financial resources will be completely different.
“I’m not talking about the salary he’ll receive, but about the opportunities in research, development, the quality of coaching and so on. He’ll have a stronger and richer technical and technological base, essential for the progress he’s pursuing.”
Evenepoel has struggled with injury this season, but has still managed to record some notable highlights, including Stage 5 time-trial victory at the Tour de France, another TT win in Stage 4 of the Criterium du Dauphine and a triumph on his return from injury at the De Brabantse Pijl in his home country.
Highlights: Arensman claims maiden stage as Evenepoel abandons race
Video credit: TNT Sports
For a rider who won the white jersey at his first Tour de France and topped the general classification at the Vuelta a Espana in 2022, Gilbert feels Soudal Quick-Step does not have the resources necessary to help realise Evenepoel’s potential.
“I have the impression that he’s mainly held on to his performances in recent months at Soudal Quick-Step,” Gilbert added. “The team really didn’t have any assets left to help him progress. In fact, he’d surrounded himself with people who said yes to him, regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the choices.”
There is plenty of talent in the ranks of Evenepoel’s new team, with Primoz Roglic the headline name, but also the likes of young talents Giulio Pellizzari, and Florian Lipowitz – the latter found himself on the Tour de France podium this year.
“He’ll have to fight to survive in a team that’s intrinsically stronger,” Gilbert said. “He’ll feel a bit like he did at the beginning of his career, when he joined Quickstep and had to earn his place in our squad.
“Next season, at Red Bull-Bora, he’ll have to fight to survive in a team that’s intrinsically stronger than the one he’s played for so far.”
Evenepoel abandoned this year’s Tour de France on Stage 14 while third in the general classification.
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