Evenepoel out to enjoy Giro d'Italia after long injury layoff

Remco Evenepoel believes he will contest the Giro d'Italia free of pressure after being out of action for almost nine months.

Remco Evenepoel (Deceuninck-Quick Step) crosses the line to the cheers of the fans at the Baloise Belgium Tour Source: Getty Images

The 2021 Giro d’Italia will be broadcast live on SBS VICELAND and live-streamed on SBS On Demand from Saturday, May 8. You can also catch up anytime on SBS On Demand.

The Deceuninck–Quick-Step rider fractured his pelvis during Il Lombardia last year and spent the spring preparing in two altitude camps.

Evenepoel's recovery failed to include any lower-level racing but the 21-year-old admitted that was a risk he had to take in order to compete in his first Grand Tour.

"I think you cannot prepare 100 per cent for a race without racing. But that is the risk that we took," Evenepoel said.

"I'm just happy to be at the start finally, again, almost ten months (sic) after the crash. My goal here is just to feel well in the bunch again and to have a lot of fun together with you guys because I've missed racing for too long."

The Belgian will share leadership with Joao Almeida for the Giro, having burst onto the scene with victories in the Vuelta a San Juan, Volta ao Algarve, Vuelta a Burgos and Tour de Pologne last year.

His unfortunate injury hampered any hopes of competing in last year's Italian showpiece, which is why he will enjoy the occasion come Saturday's (AEST) opening time trial.

"In the last couple of weeks and months, I had to work really hard to get back into the best shape possible," he said.

"The first time getting out of the bed was really, really painful... it was the most painful moment in my life so far, or maybe the crash was also.

"Ten months without racing really can make you sad. I mean, you are close to depression.

"So I just want to enjoy it together with you guys; have fun on the bike. And hopefully, we can make some great memories together.

"No matter if we have good results or you know... (let's) just make the best out of the race and enjoy our time together."