Tour de France race director Christian Prudhomme said Thursday that he is happy to have Lemko Evenpole in the race, adding a nuance: "Whatever year it is."

However, world champion team manager Patrick Lefebvre declined to reveal whether Evenpoel would aim for the 2023 Tour, delaying the announcement until the Sudar-Quick Step presentation scheduled for January 7.

"I may disappoint everyone, but that's a question until January 7. I'm not going to decide today, absolutely not," Lefebvre told Cycling News at the 2023 Tour presentation in Paris on Thursday.

"I just looked at the route, it's still warm. You shouldn't make decisions when it's still warm."

Speaking to Het Laatste Nieuws, Lefebvre added. We will take a good look at everything over the next few weeks and make a final decision. Lemko has proven that he can handle the climbs. There are three time trials in the Giro, plus a mountain stage. I wouldn't rule out anything about Evenpoel. A good Lemko can do well on any course."

Evenpoel is still on vacation and was not in Paris for the Tour presentation. He may target the Giro d'Italia next season, given its balance of tough mountain stages and 70km time trials.

If Evenpole does not compete in the Tour, Lefebvre will look to Julian Alaphilippe and sprinter Fabio Jacobsen or Tim Merlier for stage wins, the green jersey, and the leader's jersey.

Lefebvre has often refused to target an overall Grand Tour win along with a sprint victory, but teasingly refused to reveal his team leader card for 2023.

"It's different and more difficult than the Tour de France. There are eight flat stages, eight mountain stages, and a tough start in the Basque Country. Julien Alaphilippe and perhaps Lemko Evenpole will do well. I'm not going to rule anything out," Lefebvre said.

"We also have two top sprinters in Mellier and Jacobsen. If eight sprints are possible, one of those two would have to participate. We have to consider that."