Evenepoel signs a lifelong deal with Specialized: 'During my career and beyond'

Remco Evenepoel has ridden a Specialized bike his entire career — and that will remain the case for the rest of his life. On Friday, the Belgian and the American brand jointly announced a lifelong partnership on both of their Instagram channels. It is a unique arrangement in professional cycling.

Long-term contracts are becoming increasingly common in the sport. Wout van Aert has signed a lifetime deal with Visma | Lease a Bike, Mads Pedersen has done the same with Lidl-Trek, and Mathieu van der Poel is contracted to his Canyon bike until 2034. A lifelong deal with a bike brand, however, had not been seen before — until now.

That changes today. Evenepoel began his career riding Specialized at Soudal Quick-Step. His current team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe also rides on the American brand's bikes. The three-time world time trial champion will therefore never change bike manufacturer again, regardless of which team he rides for.

Evenepoel reacted to the news on Instagram. "I have been working with Specialized since the very beginning of my career. They were there through the victories, the setbacks, and everything in between. We have complete trust in each other, which is why this lifelong agreement feels like a natural step — both for my cycling career and beyond."

Specialized founder Mike Sinyard was equally enthusiastic, speaking on the brand's website. "Remco is not just a champion. He embodies the spirit of why I started Specialized: hard work, integrity and resilience. With every ride, he pushes us forward, challenges us and makes every bike we build better for every rider."

"This is not just a lifelong partnership. It is an endless conviction. Remco forever," the American brand declared. The news was accompanied by a video in which Evenepoel underlined his excitement about the partnership once more. "We stay together forever."