Evenepoel puts competition on notice after a perfect equipment test, and laughs about the 2027 Tour de France: 'Seems like a big step forward'
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Follow us on GoogleIt was already clear that Remco Evenepoel would be the top favorite in the Chrono des Nations. It was predictable that he would win. But such a margin... The world champion caught up to second-place finisher Jay Vine and won by several minutes. The brand-new Specialized time-trial bike, which was being tested for the upcoming season, has certainly passed the test.
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Evenepoel became world time trial champion for the 4th time in 2026.
Evenepoel treated the Chrono des Nations as a bike test
Evenepoel tested the Specialized bike on the roads around Herbiers. And over the course of 45 kilometers, he left his competitors in the dust: second-place finisher Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) was overtaken by the world champion and finished 2.11 minutes behind the winner. The test ride on the new bike was therefore definitely a success.
For Evenepoel, it was his first victory in the Chrono des Nations—at least among the pros. He had already won it once as a junior. “It was, of course, a great opportunity to snag one last victory this season,” he said in the flash interview. “It was a beautiful course, and I was really motivated to push hard one more time. I’m glad I was finally able to win here.”
Evenepoel: 'It bodes well for next year'
And that bike—did you like it? “It looked pretty good,” laughs the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe rider. “It felt good, too: the handling, the speed, and just being at one with the bike felt good.
It seems like a big step forward. It bodes well for next year,” grins the Belgian, who claimed his fourteenth victory of the season.
The fact that Evenepoel passed the Australian champion—who had also finished second here last year—didn’t mean much to him.
“Of course I was going really fast—I could tell by my power and my speed. But I wasn’t focused on passing anyone. I just wanted to ride as fast as I could, and I managed to do that today.”
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A customised race course for Evenepoel at the 2027 Tour de France?
There are plenty of rumours about the route of the upcoming Tour de France, which will be announced next week. Little is certain, but according to sources, the route could include as many as two individual time trials, both of which are more suited to the specialists.
A long, flat stage seems likely, especially in the final week. The world champion would be more than happy to see that.
In fact, why not do a time trial on this course? “Yes, that would be great! I know the course by heart by now. The roads are really ideal for a time trial: wide and not technical at all. So yes, I think it would be wonderful to have a time trial here in the Tour de France. We can go ahead and pass the invitation on to the ASO.”
David Bavin-HobbsChief Editor
David has been working in the sports & cycling industry for 16 years. Covering racing, business and technology, he has worked in communications for cycling companies, teams, and as a journalist. His proudest achievement is winning the first bike race he ever entered. He hasn't won a race since.
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