But rather than Schepdael, he would clearly have preferred to be in Aywaille to shine the spotlight on the non-profit association Tous à Bord of which he is the ambassador.
An association which aims to integrate people with disabilities through sport and which has officially launched the festivities of its 20 years of existence. This will materialize through a 400 km running project which will take able-bodied and less able-bodied athletes from the Atomium to Paris in five days before returning to Brussels on Sunday May 26 to take part in the 20 Km of Brussels. “The project touches us”slips in his dad, Patrick, host of the day in his store.
Give a pat on the back to these people who are not lucky enough to be able to lead a normal life.
“More than the sporting challenge, it’s the spirit that matters to me. We are lucky to be able to lead a normal life. This is unfortunately not the case for everyone.adds Remco Evenepoel, sending a smile to Charly and Gary, who will participate in the project by being pushed in their handibike. It’s up to us to take responsibility and give them a pat on the back to help them move forward.”
Due to calendar requirements, Remco Evenepoel will not be able to be on the trip which will begin on May 20 in Brussels. But the desire to put on sneakers for a running outing is never far away for him. The opportunity was therefore ideal to talk running with a world cycling champion.
Remco, will we soon see you racing with Tous à Bord?
“Of course I would. But for the 20 km in Brussels this year, it's going to be hot. (laughs) It's a few weeks before the Tour de France, so far from ideal. But if another event is organized between October and December, I will do my best to join Jeff (Editor's note: Jean-François Lenvain, head of the association) and All on Board, with my sneakers. ”
Some have forgotten it but, at 16 years and 9 months, you took part in the Brussels half-marathon and achieved a time of 1h16.
“I remember it very well. I was at Anderlecht, in Stéphane Stassin's team. We had played Bruges a little before and he had advised me to rest. My dad was participating in the marathon. I went there to encourage him. My mom told me I wasn't just going to come watch it on the side of the road. That's how I found myself at the start of the semi, which I finally ran in 1h16. It wasn't bad I think. I finished 13th in the race, an important number for me. I have good memories of it. ”
Watching a marathon in its entirety, I find it exciting.
Is running a sport that still attracts you today?
“Yes of course. It has always attracted me and it is one of the sports that I follow very closely. At the Games, for example, I watch the entire marathon, where others will certainly fall asleep watching the race. I find it rather exciting to watch. I also still have a few friends in the industry, like Isaac Kimeli with whom I remain in regular contact. ”
Do you still have the opportunity to run regularly?
“Winter, always. Two or three times a week even. During the season, it is more difficult because the risk of injury is a little greater than in cycling. But as soon as I have a recovery period, I take the opportunity to go out for 30 to 40 minutes. No more because otherwise it “kills” the muscles. But I still run quite often…”
“All on Board has changed the perception of running in Belgium”
And is doing a marathon later something that tickles your fancy?
“It’s more than an idea. Yes, I definitely will. I already have a few plans in my head but I'm not going to share them now. (laughs) I have lots of ideas and desires at this level for after my career.”
