Evenepoel’s UAE Tour Struggles and Path Forward
Remco Evenepoel’s campaign at the 2026 UAE Tour was marked by a stark contrast to his dominant early-season form. Despite a commanding victory in the stage 2 time trial, his general classification (GC) hopes quickly unraveled, raising questions about his preparation and recovery. This article examines the factors contributing to Evenepoel’s difficulties and outlines his plans for the remainder of the season, with a focus on his Tour de France ambitions.
Early Season Success and UAE Tour Expectations
Prior to the UAE Tour, Remco Evenepoel enjoyed a remarkable run of success, securing seven wins in eight days.1 This impressive form led to expectations of a head-to-head battle with Isaac del Toro, particularly with Tadej Pogačar absent from the race. Although, those predictions were only partially realized, as del Toro emerged as the dominant force in the mountains while Evenepoel faltered.
Time Trial Triumph and Subsequent Struggles
Evenepoel kicked off the UAE Tour with a decisive victory in the 12.2km individual time trial on stage 2, averaging 56kph and finishing in 13:03.1 He bested Josh Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers) by six seconds and Rémi Cavagna (Groupama-FDJ United) by twelve seconds, seizing the race lead. However, this success proved to be short-lived. He struggled on the climb to Jebel Mobrah on Wednesday and ultimately lost significant time on the decisive stage to Jebel Hafeet on Saturday, finishing a minute behind the leaders.2
Possible Explanations for Evenepoel’s Difficulties
Evenepoel himself attributed his struggles to a lack of freshness and potential lingering effects from previous races and a minor illness.1 He noted that his recovery from the time trial was not up to his usual standards. His directeur sportif, Klaas Lodewyck, suggested that the accumulation of numerous races in a short period may have been a contributing factor.1 While the heat of the UAE was considered, Evenepoel has raced in the region previously, including winning the overall title in 2023.
Looking Ahead: Catalunya and the Tour de France
Despite the disappointing performance at the UAE Tour, Evenepoel remains focused on his primary goal for the season: the Tour de France. He will return to Europe for a period of rest and then begin altitude training, a method he has found beneficial in the past.1 He has ruled out participation in Milan-San Remo, citing its proximity to the Volta a Catalunya, which he views as a crucial stepping stone towards the Tour.1 The team composition for Catalunya will be largely the same as that planned for the Tour de France, making it an important opportunity for preparation and assessment.
Lessons Learned and Future Prospects
The UAE Tour served as a valuable learning experience for Evenepoel and his Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team. While winning the race would have been a significant achievement, the team is prioritizing long-term development and preparation for the Tour de France. Lodewyck emphasized that, despite the setback, “no harm was done.”1 Evenepoel is confident that he will regain his peak form following altitude training and is optimistic about his chances in Catalunya and beyond. The early-season errors may ultimately contribute to a stronger performance in the summer months.