A case involving Remco Evenepoel directly has erupted in Belgium. During the television broadcast De Afspraak, which aired Monday evening on VRT, sports journalist Ruben Van Gucht attacked Evenepoel not from a sporting perspective, but by criticizing his personal choices related to family matters. The family of his wife Oumi has announced that they will file a complaint for racist attitudes, and Remco Evenepoel has written a harsh post on Instagram in response to what Ruben Van Gucht declared.

Everything originated from questions that host Bart Schols directed to Van Gucht about the role of Islam in Evenepoel's life. "He hasn't talked much about it. The fact is that in recent years of his career, he has involved his wife Oumi Rayane's family a lot in his victories and successes," said Van Gucht. "I've also heard that he tries to take care of and support his wife's family. Whether it's necessary or not, it's a decision he must make alone. I don't think many of his colleagues do it this way." Van Gucht essentially implied that Remco Evenepoel financially supports his wife's entire family and only later added that his sources were corridor rumors.

Remco's anger was not long in coming, and the two-time champion on social media wrote a long response post to the De Afspraak broadcast, which has opened an internal investigation, and to Ruben Van Gucht.

"I feel compelled to respond to the absurd and disrespectful statements that Ruben Van Gucht made about my private life. He claimed that I would have taken care of my wife's family. I want to be very clear: this is total nonsense. My wife comes from a well-off family, her parents have built a wonderful life through hard work and entrepreneurship. Oumi was my neighbor, her parents live just 200 meters from mine in Schepdaal. Everyone who lives in this area knows they live in a beautiful villa, a stately home."

Evenepoel also emphasizes that his in-laws have always welcomed him with open arms and that they knew each other long before fame and money arrived. "They welcomed me with open arms when I was 17. We've known each other since we were children, long before money and fame arrived. Her parents owe their well-being to no one, least of all to me. And then you come and tell me that I would have taken care of them? Let me explain something: if anyone has helped, it's more likely that our in-laws and parents have done their best to support and strengthen us. I don't know where you get your stories from, Ruben. Or perhaps it's difficult for you to believe that a Moroccan family has simply worked hard and is doing well? This says more about your limited view of the world and reality."

And further: "'The truth is simple: love, respect, and hard work have brought us where we are today. You shouldn't have prejudices, don't spread gossip. And you're certainly not among those who call themselves journalists, but among those who prefer to spread nonsense."

Evenepoel, extremely resentful, wrote the post from Switzerland, leaving some words for Ruben Van Gucht and his family: "Maybe you should worry about your own family. Because we also hear things about you."

Van Gucht is a well-known journalist in Belgium and the Netherlands and is married to former high jumper Blanka Vlasic, famous for both her skill and beauty.

Meanwhile, Van Gucht has been attacked on social media. In response to his latest Instagram post, which has nothing to do with the Evenepoel situation, several people are accusing him of spreading lies and being racist. The public broadcaster VRT did not want to comment on what happened, and Ruben Van Gucht also did not want to comment on the facts, but only stated to VRT that he had sent an audio message to Remco Evenepoel to clarify the matter.