Jumbo-Visma boss criticises Remco Evenepoel for his Dylan Groenewegen comments
Belgian star Evenepoel suggested no-one in his team would talk to Groenewegen after the Tour of Poland incident
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The boss of Jumbo-Visma has criticised Remco Evenepoel for his comments about Dylan Groenewegen, after an incident at last year’s Tour of Poland.
Groenewegen (Jumbo-Visma) has been banned from racing for nine months after he deviated from his sprinting line on stage one of the 2020 Tour of Poland, causing Deceuninck - Quick-Step’s Fabio Jakobsen to crash at high speed.
Jakobsen suffered serious facial injuries and has still not returned to competition, having undergone multiple operations since last August.
In a recent interview with Belgian magazine Humo (opens in new tab), Jakobsen’s team-mate Evenepoel, 21, suggested Deceuninck - Quick-Step riders would shun Groenewegen for his role in the crash, adding: “We can’t forgive him for that.”
Evenepoel said: "How they get along in future is for them to figure out. I don't think Fabio has to talk to Dylan, it's correct to ignore him.
“I don't think anyone from our team will speak to him. He hurt our team-mate and we can't forgive him for that."
But Jumbo-Visma managing director Richard Plugge has criticised Evenepoel for his public comments, calling the rising Belgian start “part of the problem.”
Speaking with Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws (opens in new tab), Plugge said: "Evenepoel is part of the problem with his response.
“It is better to think carefully before making a statement in the media. He should know that."
Earlier this year, Groenewegen revealed he had received death threats and needed police protection after the incident.
The crash involving Groenewegen and Jakobsen happened in the closing meters of the infamous downhill sprint into Katowice on stage one of the 2020 Tour of Poland.
Groenewegen deviated from his line and forced Jakobsen into the barriers, which gave way and sent the rider into the air.
That finish in Katowice had earned a reputation for high speeds, with riders hitting in excess of 80km/h in a previous edition.
As part of a wave of new safety measures, the UCI has now banned that sprint finish from being used.
Groenewegen was also banned from racing for nine months by the UCI for his role in the crash, as he is set to make return to racing at a number of smaller races this season, starting with the Tour of Hungary when his ban ends in May.
Jakobsen is hoping to make his return to the peloton this year, having undergone his final planned surgery earlier this year, but no date has yet been set for his comeback.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Toyota launches its first electric cargo bike - but it’s only available in France
Available through 300 car dealerships, the bike can carry loads of up to 100kg with a stated range of 60 miles
By Luke Friend • Published
-
Jonathan Milan 'super happy' after leaving Dylan Groenewegen's crosswinds plan in tatters at Saudi Tour
Jayco AlUla were one of the chief architects of the split, but its Dutch sprinter could not deliver on his team's work
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Jumbo-Visma DS: There are some big talents coming out of Britain
The WorldTour team sees great potential in the current crop of British riders
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
From Grand Tour victories to gold medals: The nine best signings of 2022
We look back at the signings that made the biggest impacts during this year's season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'I remember the crowds more than anything': Tom Pidcock recalls his Alpe d'Huez Tour de France stage win
Our male rider of the year, Tom Pidcock, talks us through the highs and lows of his 2022 campaign
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Watch: Jumbo-Visma 2023 team launch
Stream the Dutch super team's presentation
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Wout van Aert moots building gravel world championships into 2023 programme
Belgian rider says gravel racing has a ‘great future’ as he considers worlds participation next year
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
As Cristiano Ronaldo puts the boot in, Jumbo-Visma talk to Manchester United about tactics and managing egos
The Dutch team’s senior sports director has spoken to Manchester United’s manager for sporting advice
By Owen Rogers • Last updated
-
Primož Roglič says rehabilitation from shoulder surgery ‘going as planned’ ahead of 2023 season
Slovenian had surgery in October in attempt to fix repeated shoulder dislocations ahead of new season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'I didn’t have the legs': Primož Roglič looks fallible at the Vuelta a España
The defending champion went from being the virtual leader to trailing his rivals on stage six
By Adam Becket • Published