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

[Cycling111]

Almeida isn't almost on par with Jonas.

I think only a couple of people dared to say otherwise.
More people think Remco will beat him in the Tour this year.

And he'll once again be the second strongest climber by a wide margin.

 

[Berniece]

More people think Remco will beat him in the Tour this year.

Please quote those people, [content deleted] I haven't seen anyone saying Evenepoel is going to beat Vingegaard at the TDF.

 

[Cycling111]

Please quote those people, or stop spouting nonsense. I haven't seen anyone saying Evenepoel is going to beat Vingegaard at the TDF.

I have to quote messages from weeks ago, but you don't ask the same to the one who says ro so many says that Almeida is better than Vingegaard.
Go find those messages that say Almeida is better than Vingegaard.

[content deleted]

 

[Pozzovivo]

Please quote those people, or stop spouting nonsense. I haven't seen anyone saying Evenepoel is going to beat Vingegaard at the TDF.

I've said that multiple times and here is one for you. Evenepoel is going to beat Vingegaard at the TDF this year.

 

[jotafap]

With the data we have right now, I think it’s pretty clear Almeida is better over three weeks. Of course things can change this year, Remco’s on a new team and you never know how much he can still improve. But Valencia obviously won’t answer any of that, it's a preparation race without any major difficulties...

 

[Berniece]

This.
With the data we have right now, I think it’s pretty clear Almeida is better over three weeks. Of course things can change this year, Remco’s on a new team and you never know how much he can still improve. But Valencia obviously won’t answer any of that, it's a preparation race without any major difficulties...

They aren't racing each other in a GT this year though. Hopefully both will stay upright during Giro and TDF, as well as their build up

 

[AmRacer]

This.
With the data we have right now, I think it’s pretty clear Almeida is better over three weeks. Of course things can change this year, Remco’s on a new team and you never know how much he can still improve. But Valencia obviously won’t answer any of that, it's a preparation race without any major difficulties...

We will know in Catalunya, I think.

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

Moderator:
Back and forth of "you said..you said.." is neither illumination about our sport nor civil discussion.

Several posts deleted

 

[James M]

This comment is very biased because you know there's no mountain finish or hard mountain stage in Valencia this year.

I have to agree. What in the world of mental gymnastics are some Remco fans resorting to now, I hope people are joking. The route doesn’t matter, no context matters and somehow this will make him a good climber if he can beat Almeida overall when hell most likely be competing just as much against Vacek duo to the route, luckily I dont need to tell anyone what this gives but it really dumb it all down.

 

[James M]

Stage 3 and stage 6 in UAE Tour against Jonas even if they’re unipuerto stages that favour Remco more will be interesting to gauge when it comes to Remcos climbing. Its the first real test of actual climbing.

And for anyone acknowledging that Remco is not a super good climber im sorry to say, gang, but its not controversial. He hasnt been consistent enough for that. We can all agree he has shown potential and a very high ceiling, which is great, but no need to pretend thats the same thing tho. He has had a tendency to need far more acclimatisation than most before he performs in the mountains. Heres hoping that changes.

 

[Berniece]

And for anyone acknowledging that Remco is not a super good climber im sorry to say, gang, but its not controversial. He hasnt been consistent enough for that. We can all agree he has shown potential and a very high ceiling, which is great, but no need to pretend thats the same thing tho. He has had a tendency to need far more acclimatisation than most before he performs in the mountains. Heres hoping that changes.

Sure, but why does everyone keep ignoring why he is so inconsistent?

 

[Krzysztof_O]

Sure, but why does everyone keep ignoring why he is so inconsistent?

Being too heavy for most of the season is the main reason. It doesn't affect him in TTs and small hills much though. He's simply not as naturally good climber at his "default" weight as he's in TT-ing or rouleur stuff. There's a reason why he's won so many important TTs and classics and so few important stage races. He's simply better at the former than at the latter.

 

[HashRouge]

With the data we have right now, I think it’s pretty clear Almeida is better over three weeks. Of course things can change this year, Remco’s on a new team and you never know how much he can still improve. But Valencia obviously won’t answer any of that, it's a preparation race without any major difficulties...

Is it? The last time they both completed the same grand tour was the TdF 2024, when Remco finished 10 minutes ahead of Almeida. Now obviously Almeida has taken a step up since then, and he was also doing some domestique duties for Pog that year. But is there any real evidence that he is better than a fully fit Remco over three weeks? I certainly wouldn't bet on even the current Almeida beating Remco if he can find that 2024 form again.

 

[vappaxbipmv]

Is it? The last time they both completed the same grand tour was the TdF 2024, when Remco finished 10 minutes ahead of Almeida. Now obviously Almeida has taken a step up since then, and he was also doing some domestique duties for Pog that year. But is there any real evidence that he is better than a fully fit Remco over three weeks? I certainly wouldn't bet on even the current Almeida beating Remco if he can find that 2024 form again.

What is more likely, Remco has good preparation and finishes above Almeida or Remco, for any reason, drops out of GC or race completely? That's the question one should answer

 

[KoopaCycling]

To me stage 3 and stage 6 in UAE Tour against Jonas even if they’re unipuerto stages that favour Remco more will be interesting to gauge when it comes to Remcos climbing. Its the first real test of actual climbing.

And for anyone acknowledging that Remco is not a super good climber im sorry to say, gang, but its not controversial. He hasnt been consistent enough for that. We can all agree he has shown potential and a very high ceiling, which is great, but no need to pretend thats the same thing tho. He has had a tendency to need far more acclimatisation than most before he performs in the mountains. Heres hoping that changes.

Remco is in good shape, but not GT shape. Hence i expect no change vs Vingegaard in the mountains during the UAE Tour. I expect to see a status quo with previous years. I hope he shows glimpses of improvement , and i want to see even more during the dauphiné. That way we know Red Bull new regime is paying off.

I'm just saying that Almeida, like Vinegaard is considered more consistent in his shape. If Almeida is as good as advertised by those that dislike Remco, it should be no contest. Personally i think they're wrong. I expect Remco and Almeida to be close (despite Remco being probably further from his best by other people logic) than Almeida will be. And if Almeida somehow can't even keep up with Remco. I'll just consider almeida his hype and negativity around Remco to be no more then recency bias fueled by a not-so-hidden agenda.

 

[AmRacer]

Remco is in good shape, but not GT shape. Hence i expect no change vs Vingegaard in the mountains during the UAE Tour. I expect to see a status quo with previous years. I hope he shows glimpses of improvement , and i want to see even more during the dauphiné. That way we know Red Bull new regime is paying off.

I'm just saying that Almeida, like Vinegaard is considered more consistent in his shape. If Almeida is as good as advertised by those that dislike Relmco, it should be no contest. Personally i think they're wrong. I expect Remco and Almeida to be close (despite Remco being probably further from his best by other people logic) than Almeida will be. And if Almeida somehow can't even keep up with Remco. I'll just consider almeida his hype and negativity around Remco to be no more then recency bias fueled by a not-so-hidden agenda.

I don't think Jonas is in GT shape either, and same for Almeida. And no, they are all at the same point, nobody is further from top shape. The one(s) who have start racing should have an advantage though. Who dislike Remco?

 

[Berniece]

Being too heavy for most of the season is the main reason. It doesn't affect him in TTs and small hills much though. He's simply not as naturally good climber at his "default" weight as he's in TT-ing or rouleur stuff. There's a reason why he's won so many important TTs and classics and so few important stage races. He's simply better at the former than at the latter.

Or is it that his weight during spring is focused on classics instead of pure climbing?

 

[AmRacer]

Or is it that his weight during spring is focused on classics instead of pure climbing?

Not his weight now again. 🤪

 

[KoopaCycling]

Being too heavy for most of the season is the main reason. It doesn't affect him in TTs and small hills much though. He's simply not as naturally good climber at his "default" weight as he's in TT-ing or rouleur stuff. There's a reason why he's won so many important TTs and classics and so few important stage races. He's simply better at the former than at the latter.

I agree with the first part of this statement. That remco GT weight is lower than his default weight, and he climbs a tad better in his GT weight. He probably should not be in GT weight all year long, probably not healthy.

I think however Remco wins most TT these days regardless of shape. And whilst i think his natural weight is more suited for hilly classics, i would not say he is better at them. Unless future Remco has bad day in a GT when he enters it healthy, i think he can be equally good at GT. It just takes more prep. Reason being that only a few riders are truly capable of realistically winning a GT. Whereas a lot more riders are realisically capable of winning a classics. Jorgenson i see winning a classic, but never a GT.

He also has less chances at GT. He has only 1, max 2 chances a year at them. Classics he has more opportunities so that also gives a skewed image

 

[AmRacer]

I agree with the first part of this statement. That remco GT weight is lower than his default weight, and he climbs a tad better in his GT weight. He probably should not be in GT weight all year long, probably not healthy.

I think however Remco wins most TT these days regardless of shape. And whilst i think his natural weight is more suited for hilly classics, i would not say he is better at them. Unless future Remco has bad day in a GT when he enters it healthy, i think he can be equally good at GT. It just takes more prep. Reason being that only a few riders are truly capable of realistically winning a GT. Whereas a lot more riders are realisically capable of winning a classics.

He also has less chances at GT. He has only 1, max 2 chances a year at them. Classics he has more opportunities.

That you can say of any rider in the peloton.

 

[red_flanders]

Or is it that his weight during spring is focused on classics instead of pure climbing?

Seems pretty clear he's just got a different build than say Vingo. Much more effort for him to become a skeletor.

Another reason why the dearth of TT kilometers is such a lame development in the sport. Actual humans with muscles used to be able to win.

 

[AmRacer]

Seems pretty clear he's just got a different build than say Vingo. Much more effort for him to become a skeletor.

Another reason why the dearth of TT kilometers is such a lame development in the sport. Actual humans with muscles used to be able to win.

So, Remco isn't a natural climber then.

 

[houtdffan]

So, Remco isn't a natural climber then.

climbers also seldom won a GT under the Gouvenouization of the sport occurred

 

[KoopaCycling]

Again an interesting interview with Remco.

Was not initially sheduled to race valenciana. So probbaly added after they reworked his shedule after internal debates. Will ride with no real pressure but with a certain amount of ambition and wants to win.

He mentioned them seeing who will be team leader (him or Vlasov) seems like no real debate imo. As he also mentioned wanting to win the GC.

So far he likes his training. Apparantly almost no training were he just rides a tempo. Always something mixed in to create fatigue.

There also an article that has as the headline that remco hopes he won't need to wait several more years before riding Flanders.

 

[red_flanders]

So, Remco isn't a natural climber then.

If that makes you happy.