Lemko Evenpoel and Wout Van Aert will lead the Belgian team in Saturday's men's road race and are confident they can work together to win a second gold medal.

The two were bitter rivals at the 2021 World Championships in Belgium, where they clashed over tactics and leadership. Last Saturday in Paris, Evenpole won gold in the time trial, while Van Aert took bronze.

The two are truly happy to have brought Belgium two medals in one competition and will work together in the 273km road race with the support of Jasper Stuyven and Tiesj Benoot.

Evenpoel, who just 12 days ago finished third in the Tour de France, is looking forward to another "super compensation": in 2022 he won the Vuelta a España, but two weeks later he was in great form to win the world title in Wollongong, Australia! He showed.

"I'm looking forward to it because it's my last big race before I go on a break. The gold medal in last week's time trial has got me excited," Evenpoel told the Dutch-speaking media at the Olympic Village on Friday.

"My experience in Australia has taught me that I peak two weeks after a Grand Tour. Let's hope Saturday is the same," Evenpoel said.

"This is a unique opportunity to achieve the Olympic gold medal double. If it works out, I will be the first athlete to do so. The fact that I already have a medal is an added motivation."

Like Evenpoel, Van Aat was seriously injured in the spring when he crashed at 70 km/h in the Dwar door Hlaanderen. He changed his plans and rode the Tour de France to peak for the Paris Olympics. He believes he is back to his best, with front and rear disc wheels giving him an advantage in the time trial. Van Aert won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, defeating Tadej Pogachar in a small group sprint behind lone winner Richard Karapas.

"I think I was again the best wout on the bike," Van Aert said.

"It's hard to say if I would have ridden better if it wasn't for the crash at Dwar de Hlaanderen. Last Saturday we gained a lot of confidence. I want to go into the road race with ambition and confidence."

"Jasper and Teej are busy collecting pins in the Olympic athletes' village. They like collecting medals. We want different colors this time, but that way we can complete our collection."

Evenpole and VanArt took a few laps around the Montmartre finishing circuit in central Paris on Thursday.

They knew the cobblestone climb would make the long race look like a major classic, but were surprised by its selectivity. Each road race would have 90 riders, with 10 teams consisting of up to four riders.

"Seeing it confirmed what I already suspected. It's the perfect course for me, with explosive climbs that aren't too long or too steep," Van Aert said.

"The cobbled climb up to Montmartre is a real killer, and the third and final climb will be very important. If we can make a difference there, it's almost all downhill to the Seine, and we're only 3.5km from the finish."

"Even the big loop out of Paris is tough, and the last 50 kilometers are pretty tough. There are no significant climbs. Nothing is steep and it's not a long climb, but the series of hills will be tough."

Evenepaul also liked what he saw during the reconnaissance run.

"I think we have a chance.

"Montmartre isn't the only climb. It's a really tough race, especially with these temperatures and at the end of the summer race block."

"The circuit suits me. By the time I get to the circuit I'll be fatigued, and I'll probably get more fatigued with each lap.

"We are one of the few countries with four riders. Wout and I are racing to do as good a race as we can. During the race we have to make sure we feel good and communicate well."

Since race radios are not allowed at the Olympics, race carrying and communication are crucial. Evenpoel is better suited to long-distance attacks and solo runs, while Van Aert's finishing speed allows him to race more tactically.

"Wout has a choice to go it alone or bet on a sprint. For me, it needs to be another tough race.

"It's not so easy to win alone again like I did in Australia. I will have to win from a tired group."

Van Aert hopes to race alongside his biggest rivals on the Montmartre circuit.

"First of all, let's hope we make it to the final together.

"I have a better chance of sprinting, but if Lemko runs 10 meters, there are few who can catch him. We have competed in so many championships that we understand each other. We have already discussed a lot and there will be a final meeting. Our goal is to race together for as long as possible."

Evenpole and van Aert both cited Mathieu van der Pol as their biggest rival, reviving the long-standing rivalry between Belgium and the Netherlands.

"Mathieu is always dangerous," Evenpoel said.

"Pidcock is also in good shape. It's a good track for many riders, but we have to concentrate on ourselves and not on our rivals. A lot can happen."

"Just because we didn't see him in the Tour doesn't mean we won't see Mathieu in Paris. He was 100% for Paris," Van Aert warned his eternal rival.

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