Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe suddenly says goodbye to team's mastermind; his successor is someone who knows Evenepoel well

From 2022, sporting director Aldag took the reins at the then BORA-hansgrohe. The 56-year-old German played an essential role in the development of the team, but now, just after the Tour, that role has come to an end. The Austrian-German team has announced that Aldag is leaving the team with immediate effect. Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe refers to it as a 'mutual decision'. "Rolf has played an important role in the sporting development of the team," the team said.

“Through his tireless commitment, experience, and passion, he has been instrumental in establishing Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe as a Grand Tour powerhouse,” the statement continued. “The team’s standout achievements during this period include overall victory at the Giro d’Italia 2022, a triumph at the Vuelta a España 2024, as well as a podium finish and the White Jersey win at the Tour de France 2025.”

CEO Ralph Denk thanked his sporting director for his services in the same statement. “Rolf took on responsibility during a time of transition and helped drive our team forward both athletically and structurally. We are deeply grateful for his dedication. He has left a lasting impact – both in sporting terms and on a personal level,” said Ralph Denk, CEO of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, in recognition of their time together. This chapter ends now that we have achieved our objectives, but the path we walked together has left its mark.”

Denk did not give a specific reason. “We look back on these years with great respect and gratitude and sincerely wish Rolf all the best in whatever lies ahead. For the next chapter of our story, we have jointly decided to bring in fresh impetus and take a new direction,” was all he said. Aldag agreed. “We have reached the goals we set four years ago. Accordingly, we have jointly decided that now is the right time for both parties to pursue new challenges.”

“My time at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe has been deeply formative, both personally and professionally,” Aldag continues. “Together, we successfully navigated the complex transition from a sprint-focused team to one built around stage racing, and celebrated major victories – always with a clear vision in mind. I am proud of what we achieved as a team. Now is the moment to take a new path. I wish the team continued success and all the best for the future.”

Shortly after the announcement of Aldag's departure, his successor confirmed to HLN that he would be joining the team with immediate effect. Sven Vanthourenhout was out of a job after his years as Belgian national coach for the elite men's team and cyclo-cross, but now he is back. He also sent a confirmation message to Sporza: "I will indeed be starting immediately at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe." In recent years, Vanthourenhout worked closely with Evenepoel, Red Bull's top transfer target.

To be continued.