The cycling world is abuzz with speculation about Remco Evenepoel's 2026 season! Will he conquer new races or stick to familiar terrain?
Currently training in Mallorca with his team, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, Evenepoel is known for preferring a well-structured plan. His spring schedule is expected to be no exception, and it might just hold some surprises.
Initially, it seemed likely that Evenepoel would take on the Giro d'Italia, especially with the team's focus on the Tour de France next year. However, the Grand Boucle's route isn't ideal for time trial specialists, and challenging Tadej Pogacar for the win would be an uphill battle, as we've seen recently.
The Giro's route, featuring a 40-kilometer flat time trial on stage 10, could have given Evenepoel a genuine shot at victory, but according to Het Laatste Nieuws, the Olympic Champion has other plans. And this is where it gets intriguing...
Het Laatste Nieuws has revealed Evenepoel's anticipated schedule, addressing the much-discussed question of which monuments he'll compete in. His season is set to kick off at the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana on February 4th, marking his first race in Red Bull's colors.
A stage-race-heavy program awaits Evenepoel, strategically chosen to help him adjust to the team, gear, nutrition, and racing tactics. He's expected to dominate the UAE Tour and then skip Milano-Sanremo in March, opting for the Volta a Catalunya to refine his climbing skills and challenge Giro d'Italia contenders.
In a notable move, Evenepoel will head to Belgium to tackle the Tour of Flanders, aiming to emulate Tadej Pogacar's recent success. He'll then take on the Ardennes classics: Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. But here's where it gets controversial: the Giro d'Italia is notably absent from his calendar.
With Evenepoel's focus elsewhere, the Giro d'Italia will likely see Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari as key contenders, mirroring their partnership at the 2025 Vuelta a España. Evenepoel will stick to his usual Tour de France preparation, including an altitude camp and the Tour Auverge - Rhône Alpes, where he's expected to partner with Lipowitz.
What do you think of Evenepoel's strategic decisions? Are you surprised by his race choices? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
