A thrilling early-season showdown between cycling's rising stars, Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogačar, was eagerly anticipated by many, but unfortunately, it won't be happening at the UAE Tour. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe's Chief of Sports, Zak Dempster, reveals that Evenepoel had his sights set on this duel, but the world champion won't be defending his title at this year's race. Instead, Evenepoel's main rival will likely be Pogačar's teammate, the promising Mexican rider Isaac del Toro.
"It's definitely a disappointment not to have Pogačar there," Dempster told Cyclingnews. "Evenepoel wanted to test himself against the best, and he was hoping Pogačar would be a part of that. But we're not avoiding anyone; we're here to race."
Evenepoel's recent win in Valencia against a strong field, including the talented João Almeida, has further fueled expectations. "Let's not underestimate that victory," Dempster added. "But the UAE Tour presents a new challenge, and we're excited to take it on."
Evenepoel's preparation for this season has been impressive, especially considering the big crashes that disrupted his previous two seasons. He's had a clean winter, and it shows in his performance. Even without an altitude camp, he's already operating at an elite level.
"Starting early was crucial, but each year brings its own challenges," Dempster explained. "Evenepoel has had a lot to deal with in previous winters. This time, it's been about getting back to basics. He's in a new team with a new coach and performance structure. The result? He's hit the ground running at a high level."
After the UAE Tour, Evenepoel will head to Mount Teide with his planned Tour de France co-leader, Florian Lipowitz, before competing in the Volta a Catalunya and the Ardennes Classics, where he'll finally face Pogačar this year.
"The signs are promising," Dempster said. "Evenepoel might just reach a level to challenge the world champion. It's a great example that you don't need to be on top of a mountain to achieve a high level. Altitude is part of our philosophy, but so is a good breakfast and a consistent training routine."
Red Bull's Chief of Sports believes that Evenepoel's performance in races like Mallorca and Valencia will be crucial. "That last 45 minutes of a race, where you're in the thick of it, can be more beneficial than an extra week at altitude. We still have time to prepare for the Tour de France, and Evenepoel's commitment will be key."
The article was written by James Moultrie, a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined Cyclingnews in 2023. Moultrie has interviewed some of cycling's biggest names and reported on major races. Outside of cycling, he's a sports enthusiast, following rugby, football, cricket, and American Football.
