Evenepoel's standout 2026 season

Remco Evenepoel, a Belgian cyclist, had a season in 2026 that could be considered the most successful of his career, according to Zak Dempster, the sports director of the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe team. Evenepoel won the Amstel Gold Race, the Grand Prix cycliste de Québec, a fourth world championship title in the time trial, and the European road championship title. He also finished second in the Tour de France behind Tadej Pogacar.

Setbacks in key races

However, he faced some setbacks, including third place in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, 12th in the road race at the World Championships, and fourth in the Tour de Lombardie. These results showed that while Evenepoel excelled in some events, he also encountered challenges in others, which provided valuable lessons for the future.

Dempster praises Evenepoel's intensity

Zak Dempster expressed satisfaction with Evenepoel's performance in 2026 and highlighted the lessons learned that could be applied in the upcoming season. He described Evenepoel as an intense individual who prioritizes victory in everything he does. Dempster noted that Evenepoel's intensity is contagious within the team.

Strong performance in the Tour de France

Evenepoel achieved two consecutive stage victories during the last Tour de France, finishing second overall behind Pogacar. Dempster emphasized the importance of Evenepoel's solid and regular training program, including the decision not to participate in the Dauphiné, which he believed was a wise choice. He also mentioned that Evenepoel's performance during the third week of the Tour, where he beat Pogacar on a mountain stage, was exceptional and provided confidence for the future.

Plans for 2027 and future goals

Dempster indicated that Evenepoel's program for 2027 will be different, aiming to make him competitive in major races. The specific details of the program will be revealed on December 11 at the Red Bull press day in Majorca. Dempster suggested that a longer and more progressive preparation during the winter will help Evenepoel arrive at the Tour in better form.

Ambitious goals for the next season

He believes that Evenepoel can reach a higher level than he did in the spring of 2026. For 2027, the goal is to win a Grand Tour, with hopes that Evenepoel will also be competitive in the Classics, particularly the Tour of Flanders.