Evenepoel is thrilled with his change: "It's incredible to be close to Pogacar"

Remco Evenepoel's two consecutive victories in the 2026 Tour de France have confirmed that the Belgian has taken a step forward, but his words after the time trial of the 16th stage made it clear what he considers his greatest achievement. Beyond cutting another 28 seconds off Tadej Pogacar, the leader of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe confessed that what impresses him the most is having managed to get closer to the level of the Slovenian after completely transforming his preparation for this Tour.

The new Evenepoel surprises even himself: “It’s an honor to compete against Pogacar”

Evenepoel's season has been marked by an unusual bet for a rider of his profile. The Belgian arrived at the Tour after losing weight and modifying much of his training to enhance his performance in high mountains, seeking to become a more competitive climber without giving up his extraordinary level in the time trial. A complex change that, for now, has allowed him to achieve his first victory in a major mountain stage of the Tour and another in the chrono, in addition to establishing himself as Pogacar's main challenger in the general classification.

“It’s amazing to be a little close to him”

In statements made to the media in the mixed zone after the time trial in Thonon-les-Bains, Evenepoel surprised by openly praising his great rival.

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“I’m in my place. Tadej is on his way to winning his fifth Tour de France. It’s amazing that I can be a little close to him. It’s an honor to compete against him because he is, if not the best in history, one of them.”

The Belgian even went a step further by acknowledging that he sees this rivalry as a learning opportunity.

“For me, it’s already a big step forward to be more or less at his level. I try to learn from him.”

His words reflect the change in perspective with which he approaches this Tour. If in previous seasons the differences in high mountains seemed difficult to reduce, this year Evenepoel has managed to stay much closer to the reigning champion, the result of a preparation specifically designed to improve his performance in the major climbs.

The Olympic and world time trial champion also highlighted the work done with his team to reach this level.

“It’s amazing to achieve two consecutive victories. I have to thank my coach, the performance team, and everyone for the confidence they have had in me.” Despite this, he made it clear that he does not consider the race finished.

Pogacar does not consider the Tour settled

The leader of UAE Team Emirates-XRG also did not want to consider the race closed despite maintaining a comfortable lead in the general classification. After finishing second in the time trial, Pogacar spoke to the media at the end of the stage and acknowledged that he had set out with the intention of winning.

“I wanted to fight for the victory, but Remco is the world champion, Olympic champion, and European champion in the time trial. Chapeau to him, he has put in a brilliant performance.”

Although he ceded his second consecutive stage to the Belgian, the yellow jersey reminded that the toughest part of the route is still to come.

“No, this is still not over. We still have a very tough week ahead. The lead is good, but you never know what can happen in a single day.”

The Slovenian now faces the decisive mountain days with more than four minutes of margin over Evenepoel, an important cushion but, according to him, does not allow him to relax.

While Pogacar maintains absolute control of the Tour, Evenepoel seems to have found something almost as valuable as a victory: the confirmation that the deep physical and sporting transformation undertaken over the past year has allowed him to get closer, at least a little, to the cyclist who dominates world cycling.