Remco Evenepoel sees 'important difference' ahead of new cycling season

Today is the day: Remco Evenepoel makes his debut for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. At the Trofeo Ses Salines, the 26-year-old Belgian kicks off his season with a team time trial. Ahead of his season opener, Evenepoel already looked ahead.

In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, the focus is first on his preparation for the new cycling season. How does the double Olympic champion feel just before his first race for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe? "I have been able to train 25 to 30 hours each week for three months in a row, roughly a thousand kilometers. A big difference compared to thirteen weeks off," he refers to his training accident in December 2024.

A different approach
Evenepoel used the winter months to train differently. At Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, they are working on pushing Evenepoel’s VO2max (maximal oxygen uptake) even higher, so he can respond to accelerations from his main rival Tadej Pogacar in the future.

That took some getting used to for Evenepoel. "It was an adjustment to put that much quality into my training every day. I really had very few days when I didn’t have to push hard on the pedals. Now I’m used to it. My body is accustomed to spending a lot of time at those higher values."

"I’m really looking forward to those tough workouts now, which are mostly short," Evenepoel has caught the taste. "No longer than three hours. Should Pogacar already be worried? I won’t say, but the training is working."

A good start is half the battle
The Belgian is also looking forward to his first races with his new team, starting with the Trofeo Ses Salines. "A result is always important. We are starting with a pretty strong team, so our ambitions are high. [...] A strong performance in the team time trial would be nice ahead of the Tour. The sooner we win, the better. The good feeling is also important for the races to come."