"If you want me, we have to ride with Specialized": Evenepoel debuts with the team talking about the brand he has been using since junior

2026 has begun, and we have already seen Remco Evenepoel in the kit of his new team, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe. The Belgian, one of the big names in the WorldTour, has taken the opportunity at the start of this new chapter to sit down and talk on the Specialized Podcast about his team change, his long-standing relationship with Specialized, a brand he has used since his junior category, and several key aspects of his sports and technical preparation during the 2025 season.

Is Evenepoel debuting with a new team or continuing with Specialized?

During the conversation, Evenepoel began by explaining that the decision to change teams was not made suddenly. He points out that he has observed the growth of Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe since Red Bull entered the structure, highlighting the increase in personnel, the professionalization of the environment, and the contribution of knowledge. After seven years with Soudal Quick-Step, he states that he felt it was the right time for a change.

The Belgian recalls that he started his professional career at Quick-Step, where he experienced “many very beautiful moments” and some more difficult stages, but he believes that, at 26 years old, it is a good time to surround himself with new people and work in a different environment.

Continuity with Specialized as a condition

One of the most striking statements is when Evenepoel claims that, when talking to potential teams, he made it clear from the beginning that he wanted to continue competing with Specialized bikes. He explains that he has been using the brand's equipment since his junior days and has always achieved good results with those bikes, in addition to feeling comfortable with the product and the people who work at the brand.

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According to his own words, he conveyed to the interested teams that, if they wanted to sign him, they had to agree to compete with Specialized. In the case of Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe, he notes that the agreement was straightforward because the team already had a long-term contractual relationship with the brand.

Evenepoel emphasizes that one of the key aspects of his relationship with Specialized is the way of working. He explains that there is an atmosphere of direct and honest dialogue with the people around him, such as Leo Menville or biomechanist Jason Williams. He gives the example that if he requests a technical change and the specialist believes it is not appropriate, they openly tell him and discuss it until they reach a joint decision.

He states that this way of working, based on sincerity and listening to all opinions, is something he has learned over the years and considers fundamental for progressing in professional sports.

As a result of this relationship in the technical area, Evenepoel recalls the development process of the TT5 time trial helmet. He explains that, at one point, he communicated to Specialized that he needed a different helmet if he wanted to become the best time trialist in the world. From there, a testing process began that led to several versions of the TT5.

The Belgian points out that one of the most important changes was the development of the visor, and he states that since he started using that combination, his results in time trials have been very positive.

Continuous position adjustments and crank change

Regarding the different adjustments on the bike, Evenepoel explained that his position on the bike is reviewed several times a year. He indicates that injuries suffered in recent seasons and the natural evolution of the body make it necessary to regularly check posture, mobility, and comfort on the bike.

In this context, he mentions as the most important change the switch from 172.5 mm cranks to 165 mm, first on the time trial bike and later on the road bike. He states that since that change, his results in time trials have been particularly good.

Looking ahead to the next season, Evenepoel states that one of his main goals is to complete a winter of preparation without setbacks. He highlights the importance of that period to build physical base and recover better between competitions.

Here we leave you the video where you can watch the full interview.