Specialized explains why Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe is getting a "Formula 1 driver on two wheels" in Remco Evenepoel

Het Nieuwsblad reported on Thursday morning that Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe traveled to Salzburg with the entire team after the Tour of Lombardy, before being tested immediately in America by equipment sponsor Specialized for 2026. Besides undoubtedly some fun and relaxing team-building, Leo Menville emphasizes the role of Evenepoel, the new team leader.

The arrival of the big star was certainly not an easy task, as it meant an ongoing contract with The Wolfpack and Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe had to be bought out. In the end, all parties seemed satisfied, and so the chapter in Belgian service could be closed. And, of course, there was immediate speculation about the new chapter. Which Grand Tour? How, who, what, where?

Evenepoel already made a statement in California, spending hours at Specialized since last Saturday working on the equipment and his posture on the time trial bike. “I don't think any other rider has ever been in our headquarters as much as he has. Remco is one of our ambassadors, but our relationship goes way beyond the contract; we're really close,” Menville said.

That was also evident in the wind tunnel, where his time trial bike was tested. “Remco's days were packed, but he's often the one who wants to do even more. On Monday and Tuesday, he spent fifteen hours in our wind tunnel just to test his position on the time trial bike. He was already at the wind turbines at 7 AM and left the room around 6 PM.”

Evenepoel doesn't have to start from scratch at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, because Soudal-Quick Step also worked with Specialized. And so Menville was able to dive deep with his team leader. “His dedication and eye for detail are all the more impressive given that he is a three-time world champion and has won most of his season's time trials by a comfortable margin.”

“He could think he's on a lonely pedestal and slow down a bit, but he does the opposite. He's as accurate as an F1 driver,” says the Frenchman, who has already come up with many new plans with Evenepoel at this stage. “Remco has to understand everything; he's excellent at giving feedback, but he also trusts the others.”