Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian rider for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, offered an unconventional piece of advice on Thursday morning before the start of the 6th stage of the Tour de France: eat Nutella to gain power in the legs. The remark, made as he prepared for a demanding mountain stage, surprised observers and highlighted the sometimes unpredictable nature of the 26-year-old former world champion.
Evenepoel is expected to challenge the dominance of Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard in this year's race, but he has struggled to match their pace in the early stages. The 6th stage, which ran from Pau to Gavarnie-Gèdre, included the climbs of the Col d'Aspin and the Col du Tourmalet, a classic test in the Pyrenees. Pogacar, the defending champion, was later clocked at 107 km/h during the descent of the Tourmalet, underlining the intensity of the competition.
Evenepoel's suggestion to consume the hazelnut spread was made in a lighthearted tone, but it reflects the high-calorie demands of professional cycling. Riders often consume large amounts of carbohydrates and fats to sustain energy during long stages, and Nutella, with its sugar and oil content, provides a quick source of calories. However, nutritionists note that such advice is not typical for elite athletes, who usually rely on carefully planned diets.
The Belgian's performance in the 6th stage was closely watched, as he has yet to win a stage in this Tour. His best results so far include a second-place finish in the opening time trial and a top-ten placing in the first mountain stage. Pogacar, meanwhile, extended his lead in the general classification after a strong ride in the Pyrenees, while Vingegaard remained in contention.
The Tour de France is known for its grueling demands, and riders often share unusual tips or superstitions. Evenepoel's Nutella advice joins a long list of quirky recommendations from past champions, such as eating rice cakes or drinking Coca-Cola during stages. While the effectiveness of such advice is debatable, it highlights the human side of the sport and the mental strategies riders use to cope with physical strain.
Evenepoel's team, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, has not commented on the remark, but the rider's candidness has endeared him to fans. As the race progresses, the Belgian will need more than Nutella to close the gap on Pogacar and Vingegaard, but his willingness to share personal tips adds color to the competition.