Van Gils - with a new nose - rebuilds after nightmare Red Bull-debut season: 'Remco never happy with second'

What a nightmare year it was for Maxim Van Gils. After a loud and messy transfer saga, he was unveiled at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe with plenty of fanfare — but his first season never lived up to expectations. In 2026 things need to look very different, and alongside fellow Belgian Remco Evenepoel he now hopes to form a powerful duo.

Van Gils left Lotto Dstny behind after a brilliant 2024, despite still having a valid contract. That decision wasn’t appreciated everywhere, but the now 26-year-old Belgian felt certain: Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was the place to be. Yet his first season hardly went smoothly, even though he started well. After finishing 14th in the UCI ranking in 2025, he plummeted to 180th this year.

“It wasn’t the easiest season,” Van Gils told Sporza. And there were several reasons for that. “Because of my late transfer I missed the early team days, so I didn’t know everyone during the first training camp. That made things a bit difficult and I needed some time to adapt.” Despite that, he did win a stage early in the season at the Ruta del Sol.

After that, things went downhill quickly. A pollen allergy disrupted much of his spring, and he also suffered a heavy crash during the Amstel Gold Race. "After that, things went downhill quickly. A pollen allergy disrupted much of his spring, and he also suffered a heavy crash during the Amstel Gold Race. In the summer I also fell ill twice around the Renewi Tour.” “When I got sick again after the Bretagne Classic, I never got my form back.”

A difficult season, but that should improve in 2026. The classics specialist has already had major surgery to keep his health on track. "They took a piece out of my nose. That will help me move forward next season. Meanwhile, I now also know the team. I think and hope it will be better next year."

The Belgian hasn’t set strict goals yet, but he does have a clear picture of the type of season he wants. “I want to be good from the start and perform consistently. I also want to ride a Grand Tour, unlike last season.” Earlier reports suggested Van Gils will be team leader in Milan–Sanremo, and he will also be an important asset in the Ardennes Classics.

In those races he will now line up alongside Evenepoel, who joins the team from Soudal Quick-Step. Besides his Grand Tour ambitions, Evenepoel will of course also chase victory in the hilly classics. At Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe he will receive strong support. “We can field a very strong team in every race, so Remco will always be very well protected.”

Evenepoel brings plenty to his new team — not only performances, but also a certain mentality. “It’s always nice to go to a race with Remco, because as a team you immediately have a better chance of winning. Remco is a winner and is never happy with second place. That’s what makes him a fantastic rider.”