Get ready for a thrilling start to the cycling season, because Remco Evenepoel is kicking things off with a bang! But here's where it gets exciting: the Belgian star isn't just dipping his toes into the Challenge Mallorca—he's diving headfirst into not one, but three races, all while laying the groundwork for his ultimate goal: the Tour de France. And this is the part most people miss—his partnership with Florian Lipowitz is about to take center stage, starting with a team time trial that’s anything but a warm-up.
Evenepoel’s 2026 season debut with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe begins this Thursday at the Trofeo Ses Salines in Mallorca, but he’s not stopping there. In a move that’s both bold and strategic, he’s added Friday’s Trofeo Serra Tramuntana and Saturday’s Trofeo Andratx-Pollença to his schedule. Why? Because the latter features the Coll de Puig Major, a climb that promises to test his winter training like nothing else. As he puts it, ‘If we can draw the right conclusions for July, it’s okay to make mistakes now.’ It’s a refreshingly honest take from a rider who’s known for his relentless pursuit of perfection.
But here's where it gets controversial: While some might question the wisdom of piling on races so early in the season, Evenepoel sees it as an opportunity. ‘I’m the type of rider who gets better from racing,’ he explains. And with the Tour de France looming, every minute in the saddle counts. His team time trial in Ses Salines isn’t just a race—it’s a crucial rehearsal for the Tour’s opening stage in Barcelona, where he’ll team up with co-leader Florian Lipowitz for the first time. Talk about pressure!
Yet, Evenepoel seems unfazed. In an interview with Daniel Benson, he revealed that the decision to add two more races was spontaneous, driven by favorable weather and a desire to make the most of his time in Mallorca. ‘It’s better to race a little bit instead of coming here for just 25 minutes,’ he said. With 154km and 148km races on the horizon, he’s not just testing his legs—he’s fine-tuning his form for the battles ahead.
For Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe CEO Ralph Denk, this is a moment years in the making. After a long pursuit, he’s finally secured Evenepoel’s signature, and now the real work begins: preparing him to challenge the likes of Vingegaard and Tadej Pogačar. But here's the bold question: Can Evenepoel become cycling’s equivalent of Max Verstappen in Formula 1? Denk thinks so, and it’s hard to argue with his logic. ‘There aren’t that many iconic riders around at the moment,’ he notes, placing Evenepoel in the same league as Mathieu van der Poel and Pogačar.
As the season unfolds, one thing is clear: Evenepoel’s journey to the Tour de France is about more than just winning races—it’s about redefining what’s possible. So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Do you think Evenepoel can dominate the Tour de France in 2026, or will the competition prove too fierce? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
