Remco Evenepoel Eyes Catalan Success and Ardennes Classics Peak
Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe’s Remco Evenepoel is targeting success at the Volta a Catalunya, viewing it as crucial preparation for the upcoming Ardennes Classics. The Belgian champion recently overcame travel disruptions caused by snowstorms on Mount Teide, where he had been training, and is now focused on performing well in Spain.
Catalunya as a Launchpad
Evenepoel has circled the opening stage of the Tour of Catalonia, held in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, as an opportunity for a stage win. While sprinters may have a chance, the slightly rising final kilometer favors riders with strong finishing power. Evenepoel believes the stage isn’t a “pure sprint” and that strong puncheurs have a good opportunity to win. He specifically identified Dorian Godon of INEOS Grenadiers as a key rival for the stage. Cyclingflash
Sports director Klaas Lodewyck is optimistic about Evenepoel’s chances, noting the importance of positioning on the technical run-in to the sprint. Lodewyck also highlighted Ethan Vernon as another rider to watch. Cyclingflash
Return to Catalunya and Ardennes Focus
This marks Evenepoel’s return to the Volta a Catalunya since 2023, where he secured two stage victories and finished second overall to Primož Roglič. He is competing against strong contenders such as Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) and João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Cyclingnews
Following the Volta a Catalunya, Evenepoel will compete in the Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Lodewyck emphasized the importance of fine-tuning Evenepoel’s form for the Ardennes Classics. Cyclingflash
Preparation and Team Dynamics
Evenepoel has spent a month preparing for Catalunya and the Ardennes Classics, including a training block on Mount Teide. Despite being briefly stranded by snow, he was able to reach Catalonia in time for the race thanks to a police escort. Cyclingnews
Evenepoel has already achieved seven wins this season across the Mallorca Challenge, Volta Comunitat Valenciana, and UAE Tour. Cyclingnews
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