Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian cycling sensation, is gearing up for an intense season, with his sights set on a high-stakes duel with Tadej Pogačar. The 2026 UAE Tour is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Evenepoel's career, as he aims to showcase his prowess against the reigning world champion. However, the road to this showdown is not without its twists and turns.
According to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe's Chief of Sports, Zak Dempster, Evenepoel's initial motivation for taking on the UAE Tour was the presence of Pogačar. But fate has dealt him a different hand, as Pogačar won't be defending his crown at the team's home race. Instead, Evenepoel's main rival will be Isaac del Toro, the rising star on Pogačar's team.
Dempster acknowledges the disappointment, stating, 'You want to measure yourself against the best.' Yet, he emphasizes that Evenepoel's primary goal was to face Pogačar, and he remains focused on his original objective. The win in Valencia, where Evenepoel bested a top-class field, including the formidable João Almeida, is not overlooked. However, the UAE Tour presents a fresh challenge that Evenepoel is eager to embrace.
Evenepoel's preparation has been meticulous, avoiding the big crashes that plagued his previous seasons. He's entered the 2026 season in peak physical condition, ready to take on the challenges ahead. Dempster attributes this to a stable winter, a departure from the chaos of previous years.
'Starting that ball rolling early was important,' Dempster notes, 'but each year is different, and he's had so much to deal with in many winters.' The key, he believes, is a consistent routine, allowing Evenepoel to focus on his training without distractions. This shift to basics has propelled Evenepoel to a high level from the outset, setting the stage for a successful season.
After the UAE Tour, Evenepoel will head to Mount Teide, sharing the stage with Florian Lipowitz, his Tour de France co-leader. The Volta a Catalunya and the Ardennes Classics await, where Evenepoel will finally face Pogačar this year. The signs are promising, suggesting that Evenepoel is on the cusp of challenging the world champion.
Dempster highlights the importance of this approach, stating, 'It's probably a good thing for young riders to also see.' While altitude training is crucial, Evenepoel's success also stems from a simple yet effective routine, including a hearty breakfast and a consistent training schedule. This balanced approach has allowed Evenepoel to make significant strides, and Dempster believes there's still room for improvement.
As Evenepoel navigates the season, he'll have the opportunity to refine his strategy, with the Tour de France on the horizon. Dempster concludes, 'It's encouraging that there are still some tweaks that we can do. But in the end, what it does come down to, I think, is what you do in the races, and the commitment in Mallorca or Valencia, let's focus on that.'
