Remco Evenepoel catapults the Tour of Flanders and joins the great duel with Pogacar and Van der Poel

The Tour of Flanders 2026 adds a new unexpected protagonist that completely changes the script of the race. Remco Evenepoel will finally be at the start line next Sunday, in what will be his debut in one of the toughest and most iconic Monuments on the calendar.

Evenepoel joins the duel between Van der Poel and Pogacar in the Tour of Flanders

The decision comes after weeks of uncertainty and represents a total turnaround from the initial plan of the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe team. Evenepoel himself had ruled out racing in Flanders during the winter, with the idea of building a more progressive season in his first year outside of Soudal Quick-Step and focusing on goals like the Tour de France. However, recent events have accelerated the change.

His presence was confirmed directly through his social media, with a brief but forceful message that makes the change of direction clear. The Olympic champion will be at the starting line in Antwerp, ready to face the Flemish walls in competition for the first time.

This move comes just a few days after his participation in the Volta a Catalunya, where he was a key player but also suffered a fall in the final stretch of a stage while attacking alongside Jonas Vingegaard. Despite that setback, he managed to finish fifth in the overall standings, and since then, signs have emerged that he could be looking for an immediate response in a major classic.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Remco Evenepoel Rayane (@remco.ev)

His debut not only adds another name to the list of favorites but also raises the competitive level of a race already marked by the rivalry between Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. Between them, they have dominated one-day cycling in recent years, accumulating the vast majority of victories in Monuments and world championships. Evenepoel's entry introduces a new tactical variable and opens up unprecedented scenarios.

Although he is not a classic specialist in this type of course, his record in Monuments supports his ability to compete at the highest level. He has won Liège-Bastogne-Liège twice and has been second in Il Lombardia, always just behind Pogacar in the last editions. Now he faces a completely different challenge, with cobblestones, explosive climbs, and a much more unpredictable race.

Moreover, his presence is not entirely improvised. During the winter, he was already seen training on key sections of the course like the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg, suggesting that the team had been considering this option for some time, even if it was not made public.

With Evenepoel in the equation, the Tour of Flanders 2026 gains in uncertainty and appeal. The duel that seemed focused on two names now becomes a three-way confrontation, with radically different styles and a single goal: to conquer one of the most iconic races in world cycling.