Evenepoel's Hot Start Raises Tour de France Hopes

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Remco Evenepoel's move to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe has paid immediate dividends, with the Belgian star winning 5 of his first 8 races in 2026. This strong start stands in stark contrast to last year, when Evenepoel's season was derailed by a severe training crash that left him rehabilitating for months. Now fully healthy, Evenepoel is showing the form that has some wondering if he can challenge Jonas Vingegaard for the podium at the Tour de France.

Why it matters

Evenepoel's early-season success suggests he may have overcome the preparation issues that plagued him in 2025, when he faded dramatically in the Tour de France after a disrupted winter. If he can maintain this level of performance, it could set up an intriguing battle with defending champion Tadej Pogacar and 2-time winner Jonas Vingegaard at cycling's biggest event.

The details

In his first 8 race days with his new team, Evenepoel has won 5 times, a 62.5% win rate. This is in stark contrast to last year, when he was still recovering from a December training crash that left him with multiple fractures and nerve damage, delaying his season debut until April. The early-season dominance has raised hopes that Evenepoel has regained the form that made him one of cycling's top young talents, after he struggled at the 2025 Tour de France.

• In February 2025, Evenepoel was still two months away from returning to racing after his injury.
• This year, Evenepoel has already accumulated 5 victories in the first 8 race days of 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Evenepoel will look to carry his early-season form into the spring classics and the Tour de France, where he will aim to challenge Pogacar and Vingegaard for the overall title.