Specialized explains why Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe is getting a "Formula 1 driver on two wheels" in Remco Evenepoel
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Follow us on GoogleRemco Evenepoel has made his first impression as a rider for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. The 25-year-old Belgian concluded his seven-year stint with Soudal-Quick Step with a second place in the Tour of Lombardy, but there was no time for a holiday afterward. Evenepoel went on a team camp with his new Red Bull teammates and spent many hours in the wind tunnel.
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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?
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Evenepoel bid farewell to Soudal-Quick Step in Lombardy
Evenepoel spent the whole day in the wind tunnel
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.”
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Evenepoel will continue to ride a Specialized in 2026
Specialized sticks with Evenepoel, even with new team
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.”
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Bram van der PloegEditor-in-chief
Bram van der Ploeg (35) is the proud founder of In de Leiderstrui, IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, launched in 2018. Finally, he could create stories about the sport he had followed since childhood. He is the editor-in-chief on paper, but prefers to be with his recorder next to a rider, a team bus, or in the mud at a cyclocross race. Every year, from February to the end of May, Bram follows the entire Italian cycling season, from the Trofeo Laigueglia to the Giro d'Italia, with the grand finale in October in Lombardy. During that time, he lives in Tuscany, where he has since come to call Italy his 'home'.
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