‘One of the hardest setbacks’ – Remco Evenepoel hits back at critics after Giro d'Italia withdrawal

Remco Evenepoel says his withdrawal from the Giro d'Italia was one of the «hardest setbacks» of his career and has hit back at some of the criticism he has faced. The 2022 Vuelta a Espana champion was one of the favourites for the Giro but was forced to withdraw after contracting Covid-19 in a big shake-up to the race. Ad The 23-year-old then came in for a remarkable amount of criticism for the decision, with Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport suggesting he would have «found it hard to accept defeat and preferred to leave the race with the pink jersey and two wins in the two time trials».

Giro d'ItaliaHow to watch Stage 12 of the Giro d'Italia as Thomas looks to avoid more drama in pink17/05/2023 AT 18:10 In an Instagram post on Tuesday evening, Evenepoel hit back at his critics, saying that the past few days had been extremely difficult for him and he is not a «robot». “So, It’s difficult to decide where to start. «But let’s start with the positive news.

After today’s check-ups and medical screenings, I got the green light to start training again and to think about new goals. I should thank in first place my wife & parents for the support they gave me the last few days. Also my closest family members & friends really supported me a lot and well! “Also people to thank: my teammates and team members of @soudalquickstepteam! “Then, my feelings after having to abandon the Giro.

Definitely one of the hardest setbacks in my still very short career. Leaving the race with a Covid-19 infection was a very brutal end of what could have been a beautiful story. Six months of full preparation for only this race.