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It is always said that behind a great man there is a great woman. It also applies when it comes to a young champion and his equally young wife. Oumaima Rayanethe girl who won the heart of Remco Evenepoel five years ago and who became his wife last autumn, a few days after the world victory, told about their life in an interview with WielerRevue.
Oumi said that his whole life has been dedicated to Remco’s career and it’s not always easy: «I realize that we have to sacrifice a lot to achieve our goals. Otherwise Remco wouldn’t be where it is now. The bicycle is a top priority. That means I live largely for his career. I have to adjust to his lifestyle. I put my life on hold for him but I don’t mind at all. I do it with a lot of love and I would like to do much more».
The two have been living together since last winter. Remco bought an apartment in Calpeon the Costa Blancain Spain, where he trains in the winter months. They will soon be moving into an apartment in Belgium. «I think we had to grow up very fast compared to our peers. The carefree life is over, we have so many responsibilities. I do the laundry, I cook for him. An athlete needs a lot of carbohydrates, a lot of proteins… And after a workout he needs to rest, so all the household chores fall on my shoulders. But I do it with pleasure!».
Remco is often away from home. Sometimes it happens that they do not see each other for a month or more. «I’m having a little trouble with that. Remco too, by the way. But the upside is that our wedding remains so exciting. When we finally see each other again, it feels like meeting for the first time, complete with butterflies in my stomach». In other words, Oumi tells us that the life of a runner’s wife isn’t as glamorous as one might think. Even if you’re married to a world champion who makes a good living. «We have a more boring life than the average Belgian. Remco and I spend more time in bed or on the sofa than many of our peers. Everything is planned, we can’t afford nonsense. Not glamorous at all. We are simple people».
