Hinault questions Evenepoel's chances in 2027 Tour

Bernard Hinault, a five-time winner of the Tour de France, has expressed serious doubts about Remco Evenepoel's ability to compete with Tadej Pogacar in the 2027 edition of the race. Hinault believes Pogacar remains the dominant force, despite a course that includes significant time trial opportunities favorable to Evenepoel.

2027 Tour includes two major time trials

The 2027 Tour de France course includes 71 kilometers of time trial, split between two stages: 38 kilometers between Blois and Chambord, and 33 kilometers around Toulouse. This format is seen as favorable to Evenepoel, who finished the 2026 season unbeaten in time trials and won a fourth consecutive world title.

Hinault highlights Evenepoel's climbing limitations

Hinault remains skeptical, stating that Evenepoel has difficulty keeping up with sudden accelerations in the mountains. He noted that Evenepoel climbs at his own pace, which may be a disadvantage in the more challenging mountain stages of the Tour.

Evenepoel has proven success in time trials

Evenepoel, however, has arguments to put forward. In the 2026 Tour de France, he won a time trial and a mountain stage against Pogacar and Isaac del Toro. In the next edition, the two time trials could allow him to gain time on his rival.

Evenepoel's time trial gaps growing

Evenepoel had already gained 12 seconds on Pogacar in 2024, 16 in 2025, and 28 in 2026 in time trials. It remains to be seen whether these gaps can be significant enough against Pogacar's superiority in the mountains.

Pogacar aims for sixth Tour title

Tadej Pogacar is aiming for a sixth victory in the Tour de France in 2027. The Slovenian also wants to bounce back after his heavy fall during the eighth stage of the Vuelta 2026, which ended his ambitions in that race.

Hinault sees Pogacar as the favorite

For Hinault, Pogacar will remain the man to beat. He stated that Pogacar wants to erase the memory of the Vuelta and that there is simply a rider who is superior to the others. Hinault added that Evenepoel must himself believe he can win.