Remco Evenepoel, the promising Belgian cyclist, has marked a remarkable start to his 2026 season with three victories in as many races. Transitioning from his long-standing team, Quick-Step, to Red-Bull, Evenepoel has showcased his offensive capabilities. Although he faced competitors who may not have been the best in the peloton, he firmly believes in his potential for the upcoming challenges.
Race Plans and Preparation
In a recent appearance on Eurosport’s “Bistrot Vélo,” Evenepoel discussed his race strategy for the upcoming season. He originally planned to participate in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France but has since altered his approach. After discussions with his team, he decided on a more traditional race program. The team aims to better understand his performance metrics throughout the year.
Upcoming Challenges
The first major objective for Evenepoel will be the classic race, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, scheduled for May 26. He has previously won this race in 2022 and 2023 but faced strong competition from Tadej Pogacar in the last two editions. Both cyclists are set to clash again this season, providing an exciting matchup.
Physical Conditioning and Strategy
Preparation will include altitude training to enhance performance. Evenepoel aims to gather substantial information to ensure his health remains stable, considering his history of injuries. Reflecting on his previous encounters with Pogacar, Evenepoel has identified areas for improvement. He recalls a European Championship race where he followed Pogacar’s early attack before needing recovery time. He is focused on increasing his training intensity to contend better with top competitors.
Aiming for Tour de France Glory
Following Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Evenepoel will shift his focus to the Tour de France, a race that has eluded him in the past. Last year, he faced setbacks due to early mistakes and health issues, resulting in an unfortunate withdrawal. However, he maintains optimism about his chances. Having won the Vuelta and leading the Giro before abandonment, Evenepoel sees signs of potential Tour victory in his future.
- Key Dates:
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège: May 26, 2026
- Upcoming Goals:
- Enhance training intensities
- Focus on the Tour de France
- Overcome previous challenges
Evenepoel declares that winning the Tour is his ultimate dream and is prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve it. As he embarks on this year’s racing calendar, the cycling world will be watching closely, anticipating how he will navigate the challenges presented by riding legends like Tadej Pogacar.
