The cycling world was thrown into shock today as Remco Evenepoel delivered one of the most explosive statements of his career during the post-Worlds 2025 press conference in Kigali. Standing firmly at the podium, gripping the microphone, and with eyes blazing with intensity, Evenepoel pointed directly at Tadej Pogačar and declared, “POGAČAR IS ALWAYS LOOKING TO TAKE ME DOWN.”
What followed was a moment of stunned silence. In just four words, Evenepoel had effectively stunned the press room, leaving journalists scrambling to process the implication of such a direct accusation against one of the sport’s biggest stars. For many, it felt like a breaking point in a rivalry that has already dominated cycling headlines for years, turning what was once a professional competition into a personal feud played out on a global stage.
Evenepoel, known for his fiery temperament and unfiltered honesty, did not stop there. He went on to elaborate on the tension he perceives between himself and Pogačar, painting a picture of a rival who is less focused on the sport and more consumed by envy. “It’s exhausting,” Remco admitted. “Every race, every strategy—it feels like he’s calculating how to undermine me rather than just compete. That’s not the way champions behave.”
The crowd at the press conference reacted immediately. Some murmured in agreement, recalling previous encounters between the two riders that had escalated beyond ordinary competition. Others appeared visibly uncomfortable, unsure how to respond to a public airing of such personal grievances. Analysts quickly began dissecting the statement, noting the potential implications for both athletes as they prepare for the next season.
Industry insiders suggest that Evenepoel’s remarks could escalate the rivalry to unprecedented levels. “Cycling has had its rivalries before,” one expert noted, “but public accusations of personal vendettas are rare. This could affect team dynamics, sponsorships, and even fan perception going forward. Remco just made this very personal.”
Pogačar, meanwhile, has yet to respond publicly to the allegation, fueling speculation about how he might react both on and off the bike. Social media erupted within minutes, with fans taking sides. Supporters of Evenepoel praised his bravery for speaking the truth, while others cautioned that public feuds can easily spiral out of control, potentially harming both riders’ reputations and the image of professional cycling.
As the post-Worlds drama continues to unfold, all eyes are now on the next major race, where the tension between Evenepoel and Pogačar could play out in a highly charged environment. Will their rivalry turn into an all-out confrontation on the road, or will cooler heads prevail? One thing is certain: Evenepoel’s four words have set the stage for a cycle season unlike any the sport has seen before.
