Remco Evenpole (Deceuninck-Quick Step) has finalized its first race program for the season's resumption in late July: in August, the team will compete in the Tour de Pollogne and make its Monument debut in Il Lombardia.

"This is my first time in Poland and I'm really looking forward to it. I will start the Tour de Pollogne without any pressure." I have already proven that I can fight for the win in a stage race like this. Also, my main goal is in the second half of the season: to win the Tour de Pollogne.

"But I will see how I feel and if I have a chance, I will not waste it. If I'm really in shape, I can go for a stage win or GC. I don't have to prove myself, but I always have high expectations for myself."

The two stage races are a prelude to Evenpoel's first major goals of the season: Il Lombardia and the Belgian and European Championships time trial later this month. Evenpoel is the reigning European time trial champion after finishing 19 seconds ahead of Deceuninck-Quick Step teammate Kasper Asgreen in Alkmaar last year.

Regarding expectations at Lombardia, Evenepoel said that the warmer-than-usual weather (the race is usually held in October) will be a factor, adding that he hopes to be in top form by the race.

"I want to be in top form by then. It's a beautiful, prestigious race. I've already discussed it with the team. It's going to be a very tough race, so we're going to go in with a strong group. If I had to compare it to a race I've already competed in, I'd say Clasica San Sebastián.

"The weather is important this year, the temperature will easily get up to 30 degrees. But the combination of high temperatures, reduced body fluids, technical descents, and a demanding course will make it a hard race. That's why it's a monument."

Evenpoel will face a strong field of strong time triallists from Belgium in the Belgian championships. Current time trial champion Wout Van Aert edged out Evenpoel for third place last year by 39 seconds, with Yves Lampert and Victor Campenaerts rounding out the top four.

"As European champion and World Championship silver medalist, I can't aim for anything other than winning the All-Japan Championships," Evenpoel said. Just aiming for a top-five finish would be a bit silly, even in front of world-class rivals."

"I'm not sure if there are any other teams in the world that can compete with us," said Evenpoel. [There are at least five other world-class time trialists in Belgium, so finishing fifth, two or three seconds behind the winner, is a perfectly realistic scenario. That's why it's important to believe in your abilities, focus on yourself, and ride as hard as you possibly can that day."

Before setting his sights on the Giro d'Italia, he has two one-day races scheduled for August: the Druyvenkors Ovelaise and the Brussels Cycling Classic.

"I'm looking forward to spending the weekend at a local race. One of the climbs in the Brussels Cycling Classic, the Kepelenberg, is only 3 km from where I live, so I know the parcours well. I'm happy to be racing so close to home with the Wolfpack. "

July 28-August 1: Vuelta a Burgos

August 5-9: Tour de Pollogne

August 15: Il Lombardia

August 20: Belgian Championship Time Trial (Coxaide)

August 24: European Championship Time trial (Plouai)

August 29: Druivenkoers Ovelaise