Teams & Riders The Remco Evenepoel is the next Eddy Merckx thread

[red_flanders]

I don’t get the Bora diss here…for me they are already a better GC Team then Ineos and with the signings they did, they will be even better in 2025. I really think there will be a Red Bull performance boost due to their performance center, aerodynamic performance experience etc.

I honestly think it’s the only team which makes sense for Remco, mainly because of Spezialized. Remco has a multi year deal with them. The only other WT Team with Spezialized…is RB Bora. Also Roglic just got a two year contract means he runs out of contract at the same time as Remco…and will be 35? 36?


I doubt that Ineos buys Remco out of his contract with Soudal and with Spezialized. In addition they have a multi year with Pinarello…it’s way too much dead money in my eyes.

UAE…will never happen…too many wunderkids and of course Pogi above them all

Visma hates Remco

Lidl? Don’t see a strong GT Team there. Not sure Remco is attracted by them.

Who else ? Bahrain? Ääääh no
Movistar? Nooope

I would be shocked if it is anyone else Red Bull

A very good, very rational post. I think mainly folks are questioning whether Bora is the right environment to develop Remco rather than any of the contractual practicalities you rightly bring up here. I think the questions are less about what makes contractual sense than where would folks like to see him go so he can reach the highest potential.

 

[Slavique Nuke]

Did he say anything about the Olympic ITT? Strange that he is only the third biggest favourite according to the bookies.

 

[Medvind]

Did he say anything about the Olympic ITT? Strange that he is only the third biggest favourite according to the bookies.

Many of the guys who did the tour last year struggled in Worlds ITT. Ganna and Tarling will be fresh. Course is flat and just 32.4 k.

 

[Didinho]

Saw some posts saying Oumi couldn’t get to Remco after the race. Today Remco almost couldn’t get there himself.
(There’s a video of it on socials, you could see it was crowded and he crawled under during Pogi’s interview).

 

[Berniece]

Don't worry, racing is and will be his focus. As mentioned before, Remco has signed months ago for another team. Patrick Lefèvre knows about it. I received this input before the spring classics. The only thing I don't know, is which team...

Why wouldn’t this have been started in the press then?

 

[Venge 82]

Why wouldn’t this have been started in the press then?

I have no idea. Maybe the press didn't know.

 

[Berniece]

I have no idea. Maybe the press didn't know.

Would surprise me even more

 

[Billy The Kid]

It could be for 2026 Remco is signing, as Soudal and the majority team owner only agreed to continue through 2025

Could be. The original sponsor deal with both Soudal and Quickstep ends 31.12.2027 though. After the merger negotiations with Visma ended last year it was said that Zdenek Bakala would end his ownership after the 2025 season. I believe he owns 80% of the team and Patrick 20!? I dont have access to the accounting for Soudal-Quickstep for 2023, but i believe the main income (If not all?) for the team is from sponsors (Soudal,Quickstep,Spezialized etc) and not from the owners. Then it should be possible to continue the team after the 2025 season. I ofcourse agree that UAE,Visma,Ineos etc have stronger teams this year for the Tour, but with 2-3 strong signings Remco can win the Tour with SQS, so why change teams. The team did a hell of a job when he won the Vuelta, and he probably would have won the Giro last year with the same team had it not been for covid running rampant. For example this team for 2025 Tdf: Remco,Landa,Van Wilder,Paret-Paintre,Cattaneo,Eenkhoorn,Lampaert and Junior Lecerf. This would be a very strong and dedicated team that could compete in all terrains and then it will be up to Remco If he is good enough to win

 

[Venge 82]

Would surprise me even more

Look, I have received this info via a source very close to the family. I cannot say more.

 

[red_flanders]

Look, I have received this info via a source very close to the family. I cannot say more.

OK, so you're saying a contract with another team has been signed, before the classics this season. Correct?

I guess that leaves:

• With what team
• For what time period
• For how much
• If there are other riders involved

May I ask who you are that you have this information? Just trying to gauge how much stock to put into it–hopefully no offense taken, but this is an anonymous post on a message board. Happy to believe you have the access you say you do, but I think hard to assess that when the information seems like it will never be confirmed. If you have that access, I definitely appreciate you having shared what you already know.

If Team Remco® announces next year that they have signed a contract with another team for 2026, I guess that would surprise no one. If they announce this year for 2026, that would be more interesting. I doubt they'd ever announce that it was signed before the classics, so will that ever be confirmed? If they announce this year that he's signed for 2025, that would be a big announcement. Seems reasonable that it happened before the Tour.

I mean it sounds good that they have it sorted out already and there's no issue with Lefevre. That would be ideal. Just not sure how to react to such limited, anonymous claims.

 

[houtdffan]

OK, so you're saying a contract with another team has been signed, before the classics this season. Correct?

I guess that leaves:

• With what team
• For what time period
• For how much
• If there are other riders involved

May I ask who you are that you have this information? Just trying to gauge how much stock to put into it–hopefully no offense taken, but this is an anonymous post on a message board. Happy to believe you have the access you say you do, but I think hard to assess that when the information seems like it will never be confirmed. If you have that access, I definitely appreciate you having shared what you already know.

If Team Remco® announces next year that they have signed a contract with another team for 2026, I guess that would surprise no one. If they announce this year for 2026, that would be more interesting. I doubt they'd ever announce that it was signed before the classics, so will that ever be confirmed? If they announce this year that he's signed for 2025, that would be a big announcement. Seems reasonable that it happened before the Tour.

I mean it sounds good that they have it sorted out already and there's no issue with Lefevre. That would be ideal. Just not sure how to react to such limited, anonymous claims.

For 2025 would be questionable, since Lefevre already said their entire classics campaign next year is Remco. 2026 makes sense due to the ownership change, etc

 

[VayaVayaVaya]

I don’t get the Bora diss here…for me they are already a better GC Team then Ineos and with the signings they did, they will be even better in 2025. I really think there will be a Red Bull performance boost due to their performance center, aerodynamic performance experience etc.

I honestly think it’s the only team which makes sense for Remco, mainly because of Spezialized. Remco has a multi year deal with them. The only other WT Team with Spezialized…is RB Bora. Also Roglic just got a two year contract means he runs out of contract at the same time as Remco…and will be 35? 36?


I doubt that Ineos buys Remco out of his contract with Soudal and with Spezialized. In addition they have a multi year with Pinarello…it’s way too much dead money in my eyes.

UAE…will never happen…too many wunderkids and of course Pogi above them all

Visma hates Remco

Lidl? Don’t see a strong GT Team there. Not sure Remco is attracted by them.

Who else ? Bahrain? Ääääh no
Movistar? Nooope

I would be shocked if it is anyone else Red Bull

Good point about it possibly making sense for Bora to bring in Remco not to ride with Roglic necessarily but to be the next star. As much as I am a Roglic fan, he can’t ride at the highest level forever. It’d be interesting seeing them ride a GT together, though. Even more patronizing pushes no doubt.

In regard to VLAB, some might “hate” him, but I have no doubt they would snap him up in a heartbeat though. They lost Roglic, Wout has had issues, Jorgenson and Kuss are great and all but they’re not Remco, or even close. However, if Remco’s goal is to win the Tour, it doesn’t make sense for him.

 

[VayaVayaVaya]

European here. How much is that in balls?



He had a sore on the other side of his lip three days ago. Check the interviews after the gravel stage. Maybe not completely innocent.


So, Evenepoel is responsible for Roglic crashing and what Pogacar says. Or what exactly did Evenepoel say that you take offense with.

Late response, but I didn’t say Remco was responsible for Roglic crashing; I said I particularly don’t like Remco’s attitude toward Roglic, which was evidenced by words and actions before Roglic crashed out, given Roglic’s misfortune. I don’t hate Remco by any means - I actually think I am hoping he shocks Pogi and Vinge - but no one who has followed Remco and heard his comments after the stage that Roglic’s pulls were weak could interpret his push as anything but disrespectful.

I enjoy his directness and honesty, but at times he comes across as arrogant and disrespectful. Saying Vingegaard had no balls displayed a lack of judgement regarding strategy and Vingegaard’s form, and a lack of respect for a two-time Tour winner who just came back from terrible injuries. He similarly had issues with Roglic during Catalonia last year, and it seemed like he had trouble grasping the situation on the road. Remco lost the climb on La Port and this he had to attack Roglic to take the win back (he could not.)

He at times says very respectful things and no doubt feels respect to all of those riders at times and at others feels angry or contemptuous toward them; he’s only human like all of us.

 

[red_flanders]

Why do some on VLAB "hate" Remco? What's the beef?

 

[Andre]

....while I ponder tomorrow's stage...do we see a scenario where Vingo goes on the attack near the top (let's say with one or two kilometers left) and Tadej follows easily and Remco follows but with a little less push...then the two diminishing mutants mark each other, and Remco makes it almost all the way back at his pace a la Gerraint Thomas style? Rodriguez then comes up maybe a minute behind Remco...
p.s. too bad Roglic is not there any longer, since it would have been fun to watch him and Remco fight it out

 

[houtdffan]

....while I ponder tomorrow's stage...do we see a scenario where Vingo goes on the attack near the top (let's say with one or two kilometers left) and Tadej follows easily and Remco follows but with a little less push...then the two diminishing mutants mark each other, and Remco makes it almost all the way back at his pace a la Gerraint Thomas style? Rodriguez then comes up maybe a minute behind Remco...
p.s. too bad Roglic is not there any longer, since it would have been fun to watch him and Remco fight it out

In that scenario, I could see Remco continuing when he catches the other two unlike Thomas who would often slow and follow wheels. . That's the thing Vingo needs to avoid as he has even said before that he cannot attack at all when Remco sets his tempo

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Late response, but I didn’t say Remco was responsible for Roglic crashing; I said I particularly don’t like Remco’s attitude toward Roglic, which was evidenced by words and actions before Roglic crashed out, given Roglic’s misfortune. I don’t hate Remco by any means - I actually think I am hoping he shocks Pogi and Vinge - but no one who has followed Remco and heard his comments after the stage that Roglic’s pulls were weak could interpret his push as anything but disrespectful.

I enjoy his directness and honesty, but at times he comes across as arrogant and disrespectful. Saying Vingegaard had no balls displayed a lack of judgement regarding strategy and Vingegaard’s form, and a lack of respect for a two-time Tour winner who just came back from terrible injuries. He similarly had issues with Roglic during Catalonia last year, and it seemed like he had trouble grasping the situation on the road. Remco lost the climb on La Port and this he had to attack Roglic to take the win back (he could not.)

He at times says very respectful things and no doubt feels respect to all of those riders at times and at others feels angry or contemptuous toward them; he’s only human like all of us.

It's a bit the boy who cried wolf. Roglic has sat one too many time in Evenepoel's wheel claiming he couldn't work or wasn't allowed by his team, either to attack him later on, or work against Evenepoel rather than for himself. Two days ago i think Roglic in fact was completely done, but you can't blame Evenepoel for getting fed up and thinking Roglic was once again playing games. He didn't have to push him and he didn't have to say Roglic wasn't working hard to the press (though i personally see no issue whatsoever with the latter, we all could see it) but i can perfectly understand his reaction.

Regarding Vingegaard, if Vingegaard needs special consideration because he was in a crash, that is assuming he is still suffering from his crash. But nobody forced Vingegaard to race the TDF, least of all Evenepoel and Pogacar. If Vingegaard wasn't ready for it, he should have stayed away. But you can't expect your competitors to treat you like a poor victim while you are in fact there to win the race against them. All Evenepoel said was that Vingegaard should could have shown a bit more guts. He just chose to describe it rather graphically.

I personally feel Pogacar's attitude towards Roglic is a lot more damning. Telling Evenepoel he shouldn't worry about Roglic (what for? Because he would crash out? Because he is washed? Because he is not in their league? Because he wants to manipulate Evenepoel into his bro-club for his own gain?) and the day later telling the press how sorry he is for Roglic to crash out and that he was getting stronger every day. That's a lot more two-faced and discrediting than anything Evenepoel has ever done.

 

[VayaVayaVaya]

It's a bit the boy who cried wolf. Roglic has sat one too many time in Evenepoel's wheel claiming he couldn't work or wasn't allowed by his team, either to attack him later on, or work against Evenepoel rather than for himself. Two days ago i think Roglic in fact was completely done, but you can't blame Evenepoel for getting fed up and thinking Roglic was once again playing games. He didn't have to push him and he didn't have to say Roglic wasn't working hard to the press (though i personally see no issue whatsoever with the latter, we all could see it) but i can perfectly understand his reaction.

Regarding Vingegaard, if Vingegaard needs special consideration because he was in a crash, that is assuming he is still suffering from his crash. But nobody forced Vingegaard to race the TDF, least of all Evenepoel and Pogacar. If Vingegaard wasn't ready for it, he should have stayed away. But you can't expect your competitors to treat you like a poor victim while you are in fact there to win the race against them. All Evenepoel said was that Vingegaard should could have shown a bit more guts. He just chose to describe it rather graphically.

I personally feel Pogacar's attitude towards Roglic a lot more damning. Telling Evenepoel he shouldn't worry about Roglic (what for? Because he would crash out? Because he is washed? Because he is not in their league? Because he wants to manipulate Evenepoel into his bro-club for his own gain?) and the day later telling the press how sorry he is for Roglic to crash out and that he was getting stronger every day. That's a lot more two-faced and discrediting than anything Evenepoel has ever done.

Regarding Vingegaard, I’m not suggesting he treat him like a victim but rather that he treat him with respect, as in a rider who clearly knows what he’s doing. He’s proven repeatedly that he is not lacking in balls. Two stages later, the “no balls” comment seemed like a silly, unnecessary provocation that betrayed a misunderstanding, as I said, of where the two stand in the relative hierarchy.

Regarding Pogacar, no disagreement there. I posted elsewhere that Pogacar is a master manipulator, charming MVDP to gang up against Wout and get in his head, charming Roglic in 2020 to big brother him to victory, charming fans, now charming Remco with some tactical goal no doubt. That’s why I’d like Remco to surprise and surpass him. It’s be a nice reversal of 2020.

 

[Logic-is-your-friend]

Regarding Vingegaard, I’m not suggesting he treat him like a victim but rather that he treat him with respect, as in a rider who clearly knows what he’s doing. He’s proven repeatedly that he is not lacking in balls. Two stages later, the “no balls” comment seemed like a silly, unnecessary provocation that betrayed a misunderstanding, as I said, of where the two stand in the relative hierarchy.

Regarding Pogacar, no disagreement there. I posted elsewhere that Pogacar is a master manipulator, charming MVDP to gang up against Wout and get in his head, charming Roglic in 2020 to big brother him to victory, charming fans, now charming Remco with some tactical goal no doubt. That’s why I’d like Remco to surprise and surpass him. It’s be a nice reversal of 2020.

Saying sometimes you have to ride with guts and saying Vingegaard didn't do that that day, imho is not really disrespectful, rather simply calling it like we all saw it. He could have his reasons not to ride, just like Evenepoel mentioned, and he might be the defending champion, but gutsy it was not. Plain and simple. So he was simply stating the facts and giving his opinion.

That Vingegaard appears stronger 2 days down the line has little to do with guts.

Ever since he burst onto the WT, people have been looking for the tiniest bit in order to feel offended by whatever he does or says. Like i said at the time, i wouldn't have called out Vingegaard like that, but i also don't think he said anything wrong per se.

 

[Andre]

It's a bit the boy who cried wolf. Roglic has sat one too many time in Evenepoel's wheel claiming he couldn't work or wasn't allowed by his team, either to attack him later on, or work against Evenepoel rather than for himself. Two days ago i think Roglic in fact was completely done, but you can't blame Evenepoel for getting fed up and thinking Roglic was once again playing games. He didn't have to push him and he didn't have to say Roglic wasn't working hard to the press (though i personally see no issue whatsoever with the latter, we all could see it) but i can perfectly understand his reaction.

Regarding Vingegaard, if Vingegaard needs special consideration because he was in a crash, that is assuming he is still suffering from his crash. But nobody forced Vingegaard to race the TDF, least of all Evenepoel and Pogacar. If Vingegaard wasn't ready for it, he should have stayed away. But you can't expect your competitors to treat you like a poor victim while you are in fact there to win the race against them. All Evenepoel said was that Vingegaard should could have shown a bit more guts. He just chose to describe it rather graphically.

I personally feel Pogacar's attitude towards Roglic is a lot more damning. Telling Evenepoel he shouldn't worry about Roglic (what for? Because he would crash out? Because he is washed? Because he is not in their league? Because he wants to manipulate Evenepoel into his bro-club for his own gain?) and the day later telling the press how sorry he is for Roglic to crash out and that he was getting stronger every day. That's a lot more two-faced and discrediting than anything Evenepoel has ever done.

you nailed it!!!

 

[Slavique Nuke]

Many of the guys who did the tour last year struggled in Worlds ITT. Ganna and Tarling will be fresh. Course is flat and just 32.4 k.

The strongest guys in the RR all had the Tour in their legs. I think WvA, Kung and Pog's bad ITT was due to the brutally hard RR race, not the Tour

 

[Venge 82]

The strongest guys in the RR all had the Tour in their legs. I think WvA, Kung and Pog's bad ITT was due to the brutally hard RR race, not the Tour

I don't agree. You cannot compare an ITT withthe RR. ITT is all about freshness, RR is about hardness.

 

[Venge 82]

OK, so you're saying a contract with another team has been signed, before the classics this season. Correct?

I guess that leaves:

• With what team
• For what time period
• For how much
• If there are other riders involved

May I ask who you are that you have this information? Just trying to gauge how much stock to put into it–hopefully no offense taken, but this is an anonymous post on a message board. Happy to believe you have the access you say you do, but I think hard to assess that when the information seems like it will never be confirmed. If you have that access, I definitely appreciate you having shared what you already know.

If Team Remco® announces next year that they have signed a contract with another team for 2026, I guess that would surprise no one. If they announce this year for 2026, that would be more interesting. I doubt they'd ever announce that it was signed before the classics, so will that ever be confirmed? If they announce this year that he's signed for 2025, that would be a big announcement. Seems reasonable that it happened before the Tour.

I mean it sounds good that they have it sorted out already and there's no issue with Lefevre. That would be ideal. Just not sure how to react to such limited, anonymous claims.

I completely understand your question.
To be honest, that is the only info I have. I do not know which team, as of when, the €€€,...

Since months, I try to look for answers as my source (clearly embarrased by his slip of the tongue) doesn't want to share more info.
I also tried to interpret communication from Remco and Patrick Lefèvre. They communicate like if he would still be part of the squad next year. So, that's a bit strange. Unless Remco has signed a contract for the 2026 season.

My contact is family and he has it from Patrick Evenpoel himself.

 

[Extinction]

Regarding Vingegaard, I’m not suggesting he treat him like a victim but rather that he treat him with respect, as in a rider who clearly knows what he’s doing. He’s proven repeatedly that he is not lacking in balls. Two stages later, the “no balls” comment seemed like a silly, unnecessary provocation that betrayed a misunderstanding, as I said, of where the two stand in the relative hierarchy.

Regarding Pogacar, no disagreement there. I posted elsewhere that Pogacar is a master manipulator, charming MVDP to gang up against Wout and get in his head, charming Roglic in 2020 to big brother him to victory, charming fans, now charming Remco with some tactical goal no doubt. That’s why I’d like Remco to surprise and surpass him. It’s be a nice reversal of 2020.

Man, I don't know if you were around in the 80s, but saying someone didn't have balls was nothing in comparison to the banter back then. I don't like this culture of over-sensitivity constructed to protect everyone from feeling insulted, because it's hypocritical and manipulative to dissuade people from speaking their minds. Let's just pretend cycling isn't a ruthless war and that riders are fragile crystal glasses. But this is all just part of the general Western neurosis of so-called safe space culture, an unnatural perversion intended to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations, with the result that everyone is overjoyed at the opportunity to be offended. The reality is that cycling, like life, is ruthless, so you'd better be able to roll with the punches. No, I rather enjoyed Remco's straight talk, which is so refreshing from the rather spineless and annoying pre-concocted play-nice drivel that has become the staple. I remember when Fignon called Lemond "excess baggage" and it was wonderful.

 

[Bolder]

Remco is in a great position right now for a podium spot. I’m hoping he’ll manage his efforts and not get carried away trying to follow Pog or Jonas if they attack. Problem is that without Roglic he won’t have a natural ally.

As far as switching teams, hm, ofc it’s his career. My suspicion is that Red Bull, the company, may not have a lot of patience if Denk doesn’t produce some big wins with the structure that’s in place now, so it could be a good chance for Remco to get onto a budding super team.