Evenepoel’s Calculated Ascent: How Pro Cycling’s New Era Demands a Year-Round Build
The margin between victory and defeat in professional cycling has never been smaller. A single training disruption, like Remco Evenepoel’s unfortunate incident with a vehicle in December 2024, can derail a season. But Evenepoel’s meticulously planned 2026 campaign, mirroring aspects of Tadej Pogačar’s successful 2025 strategy, signals a broader shift: the era of the hyper-specialized cyclist is fading, replaced by a demand for all-around endurance and consistent peak performance. This isn’t just about Evenepoel; it’s about the future of how the sport’s top contenders will approach training and racing.
The Echo of Pogačar: A Holistic Approach to Preparation
Pogačar’s dominance in 2025 wasn’t solely down to raw talent. It was the result of a carefully orchestrated buildup, prioritizing consistent racing and strategic peak conditioning. Evenepoel, now riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, appears to be adopting a similar philosophy. His confirmed participation in February’s UAE Tour – a race Pogačar previously conquered – isn’t just about racking up early-season points. It’s a deliberate attempt to build form and race sharpness months before the Tour de France.
This contrasts sharply with previous seasons where riders might focus intensely on a specific block of races. The modern approach, exemplified by both Pogačar and now Evenepoel, emphasizes sustained performance across a wider range of terrains and events. The UAE Tour, with its mix of sprint stages, climbing challenges, and time trials, provides an ideal testing ground for this all-around capability.
From Calpe to Catalunya: Mapping Evenepoel’s Road to Form
Evenepoel’s preparation isn’t limited to February. Reports from HLN.be detail a rigorous training block currently underway in Calpe, Spain, focused on accumulating crucial kilometers. This will be followed by the Trofeo Ses Salines and Tour of Valencia, serving as early benchmarks. Crucially, the plan includes an altitude training camp in Tenerife and participation in the Volta a Catalunya, building towards the spring classics.
This extended period of racing and training is designed to address the shortcomings of his 2025 Tour de France campaign, where a compromised preparation ultimately led to his withdrawal. The 2024 incident highlighted the fragility of peak form and the necessity of a robust, adaptable training regimen. The Volta a Catalunya, in particular, is a key indicator. Its challenging terrain will provide a realistic simulation of the demands of the Tour de France, allowing Evenepoel and his team to fine-tune his condition.
The Classics as Crucial Conditioning
The spring classics – Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège – are no longer simply objectives in themselves. They’ve become integral components of the Tour de France preparation. Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where Evenepoel will likely have his first major showdown with Pogačar in 2026, will be a critical test of his climbing prowess and tactical acumen. Winning isn’t necessarily the primary goal; it’s about gauging his form against his biggest rival and identifying areas for improvement.
The Rise of the All-Rounder and the Data-Driven Build
This shift towards a more holistic approach is driven by several factors. Firstly, the increasing sophistication of training methodologies, fueled by data analytics and biomechanical research, allows teams to optimize riders’ workloads and minimize the risk of overtraining or injury. Secondly, the evolving demands of the Tour de France itself, with its diverse stages and unpredictable conditions, require riders to be proficient in all disciplines. The days of the pure sprinter or the dedicated climber are waning; the modern Grand Tour contender must be a complete cyclist.
Furthermore, the competitive landscape is intensifying. The emergence of young talents like Isaac del Toro, who will lead UAE Emirates-XRG at the UAE Tour in Pogačar’s absence, demonstrates the depth of talent in the peloton. This necessitates a more proactive and comprehensive approach to preparation, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of marginal gains.
The emphasis on consistent racing and strategic training blocks isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental reshaping of how professional cycling operates. Remco Evenepoel’s 2026 campaign is a prime example of this evolution, and his success – or failure – will undoubtedly influence the strategies of other contenders for years to come. The future of cycling isn’t about explosive bursts of form; it’s about sustained excellence, built on a foundation of meticulous planning and unwavering dedication.
What are your predictions for the Evenepoel-Pogačar rivalry in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!