"I have lost weight, but I maintain my power": Evenepoel explains that he arrives at the Tour stronger than in 2025

One week before the start of the 2026 Tour de France, Remco Evenepoel conveys a very different message than he did twelve months ago. The leader of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe faces the French round convinced that he arrives in better physical condition than in 2025 and with a much more solid preparation, something he considers key to aspiring to the top positions in the general classification.

Remco Evenepoel arrives at the Tour with more confidence than ever: “Last year I was empty, now everything is in balance”

In a videoconference organized by Sporza coinciding with the official announcement of the team for the Tour, the Belgian explained that the feelings leading up to the race are radically different from those he had last year, when he was still dealing with the consequences of the serious accident he suffered during the winter.

“Now I arrive balanced”

Evenepoel has not competed since Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he finished third behind Tadej Pogacar and Paul Seixas. However, he assures that the lack of competition does not worry him at all.

“I can also prepare by training. I don’t necessarily need to race to be ready.”

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The Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe rider explained that the main difference compared to last season lies in the physical state with which he faces the start of the Tour. “Last year I arrived at the start completely empty. Now everything will be much more balanced.”

According to him, during the last few months he has worked especially on optimizing his weight without losing performance. “We have managed weight loss intelligently. My weight has gone down, but the power has remained. The training has gone very well.”

A total contrast with the 2025 Tour

Evenepoel's statements are particularly relevant when compared to his situation a year ago. The Belgian acknowledges that during his last altitude training camp before the 2025 Tour, he could barely complete the planned loads.

“Back then I could hardly complete the training blocks in my last altitude camp. Now I have been able to do everything, even in extreme heat.”

That’s why he faces the Tour with an optimism he did not hide from the Belgian media. “I am very satisfied with the progress I have made. I am at the start with a completely different feeling.”

The yellow jersey remains the big dream

Although the German team has opted for a dual leadership alongside Florian Lipowitz, Evenepoel does not hide what the main goal is. “The yellow is a dream.”

The first opportunity could come very soon thanks to the team time trial that will open the race in Barcelona. However, the Belgian believes that the true value of that day will lie more in the stage victory than in the differences for the general classification.

“For the general classification, that time trial will not change much. It should be seen as an opportunity to win a stage and, of course, to wear yellow at the end of the day.”

Regarding the distribution of leadership with Lipowitz, a question that has generated numerous comments since Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe confirmed its dual leadership strategy, Evenepoel recalled that the decision had been made months ago.

The peculiarity of the team time trial, with a final climb where each rider can seek their best individual time, could create an unprecedented situation among the general classification contenders. “In the last kilometer, each leader will be on their own.”

Absolute confidence in Maxim Van Gils

Another name Evenepoel spoke about was Maxim Van Gils, one of the surprises of the selection after his return to competition following a serious fall.

The Belgian leader highlighted the performance shown by his compatriot in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, where he achieved a stage victory just a few months after his accident. “He had a very good week and his selection is more than deserved.”

Evenepoel believes that Van Gils can become an important piece both in the medium mountains and in the most demanding high mountain stages.

“I have been racing with Maxim for a long time and we understand each other very well. He can be very important. Hindley and he will have important tasks in the mountains. I have full confidence that he will do well and that he is ready.”

With a block built around Evenepoel and Lipowitz, supported by riders like Jai Hindley, Van Gils, or Mattia Cattaneo, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe will arrive in Barcelona convinced that they have one of the most complete lineups in the race. And, at least from Evenepoel's words, also with a leader much more confident than a year ago.