Unleashing Potential: The Remco Evenepoel Era and the Quest to Conquer Pogačar
Imagine spotting a professional cyclist in regular attire; it's a rare sight amidst the sea of sponsor commitments and team-branded gear. Yet, on a Wednesday in Mallorca, the international cycling media buzzed with excitement around a man dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans - Remco Evenepoel, embarking on his public journey with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.
Evenepoel, bound by contract to wear Soudal-QuickStep kit in training and unbranded clothing until December 31, arrived at the media day with only Puma shoes connecting him to his teammates and management, all sporting Boss-branded team attire. This sensible plan aims to ensure he arrives at the Tour de France uninterrupted and at full strength, a luxury he's yet to experience due to past season crashes that marred his GC results.
Almost a year ago, Evenepoel suffered fractures to his rib, right shoulder blade, and hand, with nerve damage causing permanent shoulder issues. His winter training was disrupted, and he returned to racing only in April, forcing him to retire from the Tour after 13 stages.
"Remco still has immense potential, and we haven't seen his peak yet," said Dempster in Binissalem, Mallorca, shortly after outlining the leadership plans for 2026. "He's an exceptional time trialist, a Grand Tour winner, and a two-time Liège champion. Despite setbacks, he's achieved so much."
Dempster drew parallels to Lipowitz, who joined the sport late but climbed the ranks rapidly. "Our focus is on daily improvement, doing things a little better. Accepting Pogačar as the best isn't our style; we aim to push boundaries."
A Blueprint to Beat Pogacar
Red Bull's leaders, both 25, recognize the potential to gain an edge. While accepting Pogačar's raw power may be inevitable, a multi-leader strategy could work against the world champion. Evenepoel and Lipowitz, seated together, discussed stage 11 of the 2022 Tour as an example of co-leadership in pursuit of the yellow jersey.
Jumbo-Visma's relentless attacks on Pogačar during that stage, led by Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič, showcased a masterclass. Pogačar, though seemingly invincible, faltered on the Col du Granon, leaving the defending champion in the Dane's wake. Could Evenepoel and Lipowitz replicate this strategy?
"Of course, I was cautious saying this with Primož next to me. We know his Tour endings, but this is the best example: two strong riders against one, even if he's very strong," said Evenepoel.
"Tadej has improved, but Primož and Jonas' strategy in 2022 is our model. We don't need to attack from the climb's base, but we have tactics. Florian and I are different tactically, and our styles combined could be powerful. We'll test this in other races."
Even with the media attention, Evenepoel remained calm, accustomed to such interest since his junior days. Asked about pressure as Red Bull's landmark signing, he replied, "No. The team is professional, so no pressure. Pressure starts after the new year, with important races. We're human, not perfect daily. We strive for our goals without pressure."
Evenepoel, gesturing to Roglič, whom he idolizes, added, "There's no pressure. It's December; we can keep it at bay."
Building a Partnership with Lipowitz
Evenepoel jokingly warned Lipowitz about the media attention following a Tour podium finish. "He was third, so more requests! I didn't finish, so no media this year!" The pair seemed comfortable, but Evenepoel's Tour participation was only confirmed the day before, despite being almost certain from his signing. They must now work together to perform at their best.
They'll start their seasons together at the new team time trial at Challenge Mallorca on January 29 and again at the Volta a Catalunya in March, a key week for tactic testing and synergy.
"It's my first Grand Tour with double leadership, but it's the best way. Hopefully, we finish high, whether it's me or Florian. It's difficult."
"I knew yesterday I'd ride the Tour, so it's early to speak. We'll race and train together, learn, and adapt to each other and the tactics. It's better with leaders, and as the team decided on two, we'll adapt. It's not the end of the world."
Building this partnership is crucial for Dempster, team boss Ralph Denk, and the staff ahead of the Tour's Grand Départ in Barcelona. However, they also need time to breathe and score wins.
"A strong connection is critical. The plan has touch points, but racing them all season is stupid. They can't always win, and hopefully, they win at similar times. We want them on their trajectory."
"Training camps together will be critical. I'm confident they're good kids and understand we fight others, not each other."
Evenepoel's Quest for New Heights
Four-time Tour winner Pogačar remains the benchmark for Evenepoel and Red Bull. Evenepoel knows he has ground to cover to reach Pogačar's level. He's moved from QuickStep to Red Bull, with coach Dan Lorang, and feels the team's attention to detail.
"It's a big change. Everything is going well. The biggest difference is starting with efforts in the second week of training, especially the third. Before, I'd ride for a month, but now we open volume straight away. That's the biggest change."
"We communicate daily about hard training sessions. It's good to change. I had great years with Koen, but now it's a new chapter and coach. I hope to become a better rider."
Dempster is cautious about the blueprint's success, aware of the Tour's challenges. "It's an idea, but if he rides you off, maybe not. There's always that."
"Co-leader strategy is based on our strong team and Remco and Lipo's Tour connection. It was a no-brainer."
Evenepoel understands the difficulty of beating Pogačar. "Tadej has been outstanding. Our goal is to come close and win one day."
"Going to the Tour with a strong team is important to prove our future in this race. I'll improve myself as much as possible. I've learned new things in this team, and I hope it's enough."
The next seven months will reveal if Evenepoel and Lipowitz can reach their goals against Pogačar. The Remco Evenepoel era at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is underway, with the Mallorca Challenge team time trial as the first stop.
James Moultrie, a gold-standard NCTJ journalist, joined Cyclingnews as a News Writer in 2023 after contributing as a freelancer for eight months, writing for Eurosport, Rouleur, and Cycling Weekly. He's interviewed top riders like Chloé Dygert, Lizzie Deignan, and Wout van Aert and reported on races like Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d'Italia Donne for Eurosport.
