<\/p>\n
The \u201chis\u201d in that sentence is Dan Lorang, Evenepoel\u2019s new coach, whose training approach is already leaving a visible imprint on the Belgian\u2019s racing.<\/p>\n
Fatigue as a training tool<\/p>\n
Evenepoel explained that Lorang\u2019s methods are built around constant load rather than recovery spins.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was always some kind of effort, or I had to create fatigue,\u201d he said. \u201cHe has already given me a lot of tough sessions and sessions where I really suffered in training, but that have to pay off in racing. That has already worked out well. There have been no sessions that I couldn\u2019t complete.\u201d<\/p>\n
That last line is telling. It suggests not just intensity, but a careful calibration of what Evenepoel can absorb. The result was seen immediately at the Challenge Mallorca, where he turned what was meant to be a simple team time trial appearance into three race days and three victories.<\/p>\n
Those wins were the visible part. This is the explanation behind them.<\/p>\n
A programme shaped by the team<\/p>\n
Evenepoel admitted that, according to the original plan, he was not even meant to ride the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.<\/p>\n
\u201cAccording to the original plan, I would not have ridden this race, but the team bosses wanted me to start racing a bit earlier,\u201d he said with a smile inside the Red Bull team bus.<\/p>\n
That decision was helped by the race profile. A time trial on day two, hilly stages in a region where Evenepoel is based, and a controlled five-day test that can serve as a stepping stone towards the UAE Tour.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite clear that I\u2019m going for the win in the time trial and then try to take as much time as possible. After that we can look towards the important stage on Saturday.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not handed on a plate<\/p>\n
Evenepoel is also well aware that this is a step up from Mallorca. \u201cIt won\u2019t be handed to me on a plate here,\u201d he said, referencing the higher level of competition, including riders such as Joao Almeida. \u201cIt\u2019s motivating to perform against such riders and to test myself. It\u2019s a new step towards everything that still follows.\u201d<\/p>\n