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

[peterfin]

If we use Landa as a proxy I'm very unconvinced Evenepoel would make a major jump in performance at another team.

The improvement I can see for him is consistency and raising his floor level, not his ceiling.

At UAE he would jump through the ceiling.

 

[Rou]

I think Remco would fit perfectly at Ineos. They already have strong domestiques but they are just missing one super strong GC rider. I see Bernal and even Rodriguez working for Remco if needed.

 

[jmdirt]

I think Bora might be the best choice in the long run. But I think Ineos is maybe most likely atm. They will change to specialized if Remco comes. Lots of money, and once upon a time knowhow. presumable not all knowhow is lost.

I responded with the WOW emoji because I hadn't really considered Ineos. HMM, maybe, but they would have to add some others as well.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Remco is now 25 and as such is starting to be considered an adult in terms of cycling. His prime years should hence be targeted somewhere in the line of next decade, more likely before he reaches 30. Some argue that the only way forward for Remco is to change teams. Currently Remco is riding for a Belgian team that made him the cyclist he is today, AFAIK his father being his agent and at this team he is undisputed leader, team geared towards supporting him and sacrificing other aspects of racing for it. Salary reasonable, material good, staff with at least some experience and know how in cycling. Only real issue mentioned, mostly by his diehard fanbase, improper nutrition. So what would it mean for Remco to change the team. It could happen abruptly or by respecting current contract and to switch team after as free agent. If the contract will be terminated abruptly then i feel that a lot of broken hearts and burned bridges to be involved. The environment he currently operates in is still very personal, for him and for the people involved. For something like that to happen Remco would likely need to hire an agent that would set such things in motion, as a result such things often end up being messy. If waiting and respecting his current contract then IMHO next one, either with the current team or for a new team should be signed for lets say 3 years. When signing a new contract fatherhood should likely be considered, as it looks like Remco found a good woman.

 

[Oldman]

Doubt Roglic can prevent a move to Bora, though I also kinda doubt either would be too happy to be teammates.

That's not to say I think they have a problem with each other, they're just both guys that wanna be solo leader, and especially Roglic doesn't wanna get caught in a leadership battle ever again, even if there are scenario's where he might be the beneficiary of it.

Also seems it depends on their individual seasons next year. Remco has building to do and Roglic likely has internal pressure to deliver now. Next year is a long season away and Red Bull's money demands results.

 

[Oldman]

Remco is now 25 and as such is starting to be considered an adult in terms of cycling. His prime years should hence be targeted somewhere in the line of next decade, more likely before he reaches 30. Some argue that the only way forward for Remco is to change teams. Currently Remco is riding for a Belgian team that made him the cyclist he is today, AFAIK his father being his agent and at this team he is undisputed leader, team geared towards supporting him and sacrificing other aspects of racing for it. Salary reasonable, material good, staff with at least some experience and know how in cycling. Only real issue mentioned, mostly by his diehard fanbase, improper nutrition. So what would it mean for Remco to change the team. It could happen abruptly or by respecting current contract and to switch team after as free agent. If the contract will be terminated abruptly then i feel that a lot of broken hearts and burned bridges to be involved. The environment he currently operates in is still very personal, for him and for the people involved. For something like that to happen Remco would likely need to hire an agent that would set such things in motion, as a result such things often end up being messy. If waiting and respecting his current contract then IMHO next one, either with the current team or for a new team should be signed for lets say 3 years. When signing a new contract fatherhood should likely be considered, as it looks like Remco found a good woman.

Great point on the deep Belgian influence and loyalty for this team as well as his maturing age.
If he left on bad terms and didn't succeed his homeboy legacy would suffer.

That said; he absolutely should hire and agent. That would minimize family pressure(?) and let him proceed as the international professional he aims to be. We (I) don't know how much exact control Remco exerts over his routine, diet and day to day. All of the GT guys we mention as his peers and competition submit to team consultation for diet, training, tactics and race schedule to a great degree. That might be a better environment but won't be known unless he tries. If he comes very good at this year's Tour and is not on the top 2 podium steps he needs to consider much.

 

[Berniece]

When signing a new contract fatherhood should likely be considered, as it looks like Remco found a good woman.

His wife is still in college and hasn’t start working yet. I think she has her personal ambitions too, so not sure why he has to start thinking about kids already…

 

[CyclistAbi]

That said; he absolutely should hire and agent. That would minimize family pressure(?) and let him proceed as the international professional he aims to be.

If the contract would to be terminated abruptly then i doubt his father would be willing to do on what it takes, at minimum to drag the family name in mud. Now going against the father might not be the best decision, long term, either. So i would still recommend some arrangement, like hiring an agent, to do the dirty work and basically to sell you to the highest bidder, as that is the sole reason agents exist, but i would try to keep father involved as a supervisor. But somehow i feel that it's rather impossible to terminate the contract abruptly and avoid scrutiny. It's not like any real reason exist for that to be perceived as justified? Even if Remco follows through with the existing contract and after to switch teams. Even then he will need to take some heat for it. Considering the history and environment he is currently in. Note that this doesn't have to be perceived as a bad thing, maybe it's a good thing and people involved wouldn't have it any other way.

We (I) don't know how much exact control Remco exerts over his routine, diet and day to day. All of the GT guys we mention as his peers and competition submit to team consultation for diet, training, tactics and race schedule to a great degree. That might be a better environment but won't be known unless he tries. If he comes very good at this year's Tour and is not on the top 2 podium steps he needs to consider much.

Or maybe if he feels this area is inadequate, to demand improvements at SOQ first? I mean if the idea is to switch teams then it's a rather good idea to know on why. You should know on what you aren't getting at the current team and to seek that elsewhere. For example Rogla couldn't count on being supported at the Tour anymore, so that alone was a good enough reason to switch teams, more money was just a bonus.

His wife is still in college and hasn’t start working yet. I think she has her personal ambitions too, so not sure why he has to start thinking about kids already…

Sure, but then again in this day and age it's somewhat expected from you, to have children and to work, at least in Slovenia, regardless if you are a man or woman. And once you have the financial means, rather hard to achieve in Slovenia, still nice to be a young parent, this is a luxury most can only dream. Then you end up having children being older, not due to doing other things first, but due to lack of means for that to be viable.

 

[Berniece]

Sure, but then again in this day and age it's somewhat expected from you, to have children and to work, at least in Slovenia, regardless if you are a man or woman. And once you have the financial means, rather hard to achieve in Slovenia, still nice to be a young parent, this is a luxury most can only dream. Then you end up having children being older, not due to doing other things first, but due to lack of means to be viable.

Well in Belgium the average age to have kids for a woman is 31.3 years old. For a guy +34 years. I hope they both wait that long. For his career, kids don’t help.

 

[CyclistAbi]

@Berniece

I assume most of that men and women are not multi millionaires?

 

[Berniece]

@Berniece

I assume most of that men and women are not multi millionaires?

Most of them have higher education.

 

[CyclistAbi]

Most of them have higher education.

Otherwise a well paid job and housing waiting, to easily have kids? You have that choice?

Anyway, lets not make it about that, that was just an observation, Remco seem like he would be a good dad, his spouse seem caring too. Anyway the point was, kids or no kids, switching teams Remco will need to take some heat for it, considering the situation he is in. For that to be worthwhile i guess at minimum best to diagnose the underlying issues at the current team and first try to fix them or if not possible to move on. Hopefully to something better, as merely switching teams, for no apparent reason, not knowing what you actually want to fix, usually that is not successful in terms of sport results.

 

[houtdffan]

Vingo had a terrible crash and the worst preparation of all Tour contenders last year (Remco's preparation wasn't optimal as well, I realize that). I imagine Vingo being much closer to Pogi and farther from other GC guys under normal circumstances: I think he's the only guy who can really challenge Pogi this year (he actually beat him twice).

Remco also had a terrible crash and was sick at the Dauphine.

I'd say they were equal in terms of crappy prep for the TDF last year. Vingo was a whole 3 minutes ahead

Had they had optimal prep, Remco likely halves his deficit to Pog, yet still finishes third. He may have won stage 11, however

 

[Berniece]

Hopefully to something better, as merely switching teams, for no apparent reason, not knowing what you actually want to fix, usually that is not successful in terms of sport results.

I don't agree that it's for no apparent reason. Better staff, better pay, better riders, and better surroundings with things like the performance centers Red Bull has. I wonder if there is anything SOQ is better at than Bora.

 

[AmRacer]

I don't agree that it's for no apparent reason. Better staff, better pay, better riders, and better surroundings with things like the performance centers Red Bull has. I wonder if there is anything SOQ is better at than Bora.

Home feelings etc. It can be important mentally. But a change to something new can be a kick in the rigth direction.

 

[Berniece]

I think (barring accidents or bad form) these names are already locked in:

Evenepoel
Merlier
Van Lerberghe
Van Wilder
Schachmann

Now that Paret-Peintre couldn't make it to the Giro and Landa won't make the Tour I would (and I think they will) take Paret-Peintre to the Tour.

Then I would also select Cattaneo.

Last name to choose from Lampaert/Vervaeke/Vansevenant or maybe Lecerf.

In an interview with Jurgen Fore (CEO of SOQ) they were talking about missing Landa in the TDF team and the gap that gives in the team. He said the following:

"Valentin Paret-Peintre is recovering well from his broken tailbone. He has already proven at his previous team for Ben O'Connor that he can be of service in the high mountains. Matteo Cattaneo, Ilan Van Wilder, Maximilian Schachmann and Mauri Vansevenant can also last a long time uphill. Dries Van Gestel will normally have recovered from the broken wrist and elbow. He can be the rider in the Tour to keep Remco out of the wind on the flat."

If you add Merlier, Van Lerberghe and Evenepoel you've got a team of 9. So someone still needs to be excluded.

 

[KoopaCycling]

I disagree with Remco taking some heat for it. I mean some people will always be grumpy. But people more or less know he did not pull a WVA when Red Bull came knocking. He came close but utimately chose to stay loyal to his contract and his team (teammates, entourage, ...). Had he left amidst that debacle the cards and how people view Remco would be different.

If he leaves when his contract is up, nobody would dislike him for that. Soudal probably knows there is a good chance he won't renew his contract. And (imo) will therefore be open to negations to end the contract a year early and get some cold hard cash to build a new roster with.

 

[acm]

Rogla's contract ends this year. if Remco exits one year earlier from his Soudal contract and signs for Redbull already in 2026, will Roglic stay? I dont know...

No, Roglič still has a contract for next year.

 

[CyclistAbi]

I don't agree that it's for no apparent reason. Better staff, better pay, better riders, and better surroundings with things like the performance centers Red Bull has. I wonder if there is anything SOQ is better at than Bora.

Could be, but lets not forget till last year, around Vuelta, Rogličes team was dropped on first resemblance of a climb. If Remco really wants a better team and support, that the one getting at SOQ, he will need to invest heavily into that. Now true, Rogla could do it for him, still Remco will need to take some heat for it. Leaving SOQ and i assume some power play inside the new team if he plans to join Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. If he plans to leave SOQ for some other big team, over there a transitional year or two is reasonable to expect. Money indeed likely better, still SOQ without Remco is what? So i am rather sure that they are already paying premium. It's not like they lack money. All in all it's a big step and lets see what choices Remco will make. If not before than once his current contract expire he will indeed need to do something. Likely to commit to something on mid term basis. An elegant way for him would be a team merger. Then he wouldn't take any heat for leaving SOQ and SOQ wouldn't be left as an empty shell. Some drama of course surrounding such merger, that is unavoidable. We'll see.

As for having kids:

“Kids bring home germs from school" - Greg van Avermaet claims family life might be behind rise in illnesses for struggling Wout van Aert

There's no doubting the fact that Wout van Aert has suffered a number of setbacks over the last couple of seasons, both thanks to on-bike crashes and off-bike illnesses. In an attempt to get to the ro...

cyclinguptodate.com

Still it would be rather dope, two dads riding for Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. I could support that.

 

[CyclistAbi]

I disagree with Remco taking some heat for it. I mean some people will always be grumpy. But people more or less know he did not pull a WVA when Red Bull came knocking. He came close but utimately chose to stay loyal to his contract and his team (teammates, entourage, ...). Had he left amidst that debacle the cards and how people view Remco would be different.

If he leaves when his contract is up, nobody would dislike him for that. Soudal probably knows there is a good chance he won't renew his contract. And (imo) will therefore be open to negations to end the contract a year early and get some cold hard cash to build a new roster with.

So you agree Remco would take some heat for it, leaving SOQ, by not doing that and staying loyal he avoided it and that was the right decision. You hence don't agree Remco will take any heat for it if leaving SOQ once the contract is up. Well, best to wait and see.

 

[Berniece]

Could be, but lets not forget till last year, around Vuelta, Rogličes team was dropped on first resemblance of a climb. If Remco really wants a better team and support, that the one getting at SOQ, he will need to invest heavily into that. Now true, Rogla could do it for him, still Remco will need to take some heat for it. Leaving SOQ and i assume some power play inside the new team if he plans to join Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. If he plans to leave SOQ for some other big team, over there a transitional year or two is reasonable to expect. Money indeed likely better, still SOQ without Remco is what? So i am rather sure that they are already paying premium. It's not like they lack money.

I don't feel Bora has a worse team. Martinez finished 2nd in the Giro last year, but I agree Bora should be able to get a stronger team for GT's. Although at the moment it's looking good in the Giro, but let's wait to see what the next 3 weeks give.

In case of wages, according to the internet he is currently earning 5M, coming from 3M in '23 and '24. Compared to Pogacar there is still some room for improvement, but he has to earn it by riding better results.

You keep saying SOQ doesn't lack money, but they have like the 8th biggest update.

 

[CyclistAbi]

@Berniece

Yeah 5, that is already an AAA salary. For new contract indeed likely getting more is the goal. I don't know if even Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe could afford signing two with such contracts. So both riding for the same team is likely not going to happen. On paper there are a lot of good teams out there. Indeed including Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. Said that and as you can see Rogla needs to push them, to improve, and to reach the level of UAE. Whatever team Remco will be riding for in the next 3 or 4 years, he will need to do the same. It won't just happen by itself. For example if Rogla would sign for Ineos, then they would likely already won a GT. Said that i am happy Rogla signed for Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe and i can see the appeal, on why you would like for Remco to do the same in the future. It's indeed a rather good position Rogla currently being in, especially considering that at Visma he was not supported anymore, at the biggest stage race, otherwise Visma would do just fine. We'll see.

 

[Berniece]

Said that and as you can see Rogla needs to push them, to improve, and to reach the level of UAE. Whatever team Remco will be riding for in the next 3 or 4 years, he will need to do the same. It won't just happen by itself.

I don't really see that. Bora has more than ambitions enough themselves with one of the best staff teams. I don't think it's Roglic pushing them higher, although it's easier to ride for a captain that wins.

 

[saunaking]

I don't agree that it's for no apparent reason. Better staff, better pay, better riders, and better surroundings with things like the performance centers Red Bull has. I wonder if there is anything SOQ is better at than Bora.

Not since Patrick left

 

[CyclistAbi]

I don't really see that. Bora has more than ambitions enough themselves with one of the best staff teams. I don't think it's Roglic pushing them higher, although it's easier to ride for a captain that wins.

For sure it's the combination of Rogla and the team, just like it was at JV, and this will show more and more. Didn't you at some point in time cheer for Remco to sign with Visma? What changed in that regards?