Remco Evenepoel delivered a commanding performance in Tuesday’s individual time trial at the UAE Tour, seizing the overall lead and reaffirming his status as a world-class time trialist. The Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe rider completed the 12.2km course in a blistering 13:03, averaging 56.1 km/h – the fastest of his career – and opening a 32-second gap on his nearest general classification (GC) rival, Isaac del Toro.
Evenepoel’s victory, his seventh of the 2026 season, wasn’t just about speed; it was a statement. Racing with an unusually large 68-tooth chainring, a setup designed to maximize power transfer on the flat course, he set an early benchmark that few could challenge. The Belgian’s tactical decision to start fifth, anticipating increasing winds, proved astute. The win positions Evenepoel favorably heading into Wednesday’s crucial mountain stage, the 183km trek culminating in the challenging Jebel Mobrah climb.
“It was pretty quick. The course completely flat, not super technical, so it was the perfect course to strive and ride that fast,” Evenepoel said after the stage. “So I’m very happy to have done it today. We knew that it was gonna be a bit better to start early,” he added, acknowledging the strategic advantage. “Del Toro won yesterday, I won today, so I think we both have already one stage win in our pockets, so I think nobody has any regrets. I think from now on it’s gonna be the GC battle that will be open.”
The time trial saw Joshua Tarling (Ineos Grenadiers) finish six seconds behind Evenepoel, while Rémi Cavagna (Groupama-FDJ United) rounded out the podium, 12 seconds slower. This marks Evenepoel’s fourth consecutive time trial victory, extending a remarkable run of form that has seen him dominate against the clock since the 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné. Excluding a 12th-place finish in last year’s climbing time trial at the Tour de France and a final TT in Nice in 2024, Evenepoel has won every individual time trial he’s contested in that period.
Remco means business 👊🏻Time Trial World Champion Remco Evenepoel was off the ramp early and has set the fastest time so far on Stage 2 of the UAE Tour, stopping the clock at 13:03 over 12.2 km 💨 pic.twitter.com/BKqeK4eAIV
— Cycling on TNT Sports (@cyclingontnt) February 17, 2026
For Isaac del Toro (UAE Emirates-XRG), the overnight leader, the time trial proved a setback. He conceded 42 seconds to Evenepoel, dropping to 10th overall and now trailing by 32 seconds. The shift in the GC standings sets the stage for a fierce battle on Wednesday’s mountainous stage.
Jebel Mobrah: The Decisive Test
The third stage of the UAE Tour presents a significant challenge: a 183km route culminating in the formidable Jebel Mobrah climb. The ascent, stretching 13.2km at an average gradient of 8.1 percent, combined with anticipated heat and wind, will be the toughest climbing test of Evenepoel’s season debut. The stage is expected to be a pivotal moment in the race, potentially separating the true contenders from those hoping to stay within striking distance.
Evenepoel acknowledged the difficulty ahead, stating, “It is more comfortable to defend it than to have to attack. So I think this is a perfect situation for us, and now we have to try to defend it until Sunday.” This suggests a conservative approach, aiming to control the race and limit Del Toro’s opportunities to regain lost time.
The UAE Tour continues to showcase Evenepoel’s versatility, and strength. His ability to excel in both time trials and potentially challenging climbs positions him as a strong favorite for overall victory. The coming days will reveal whether he can maintain his lead and solidify his dominance in the desert race.
The battle for the UAE Tour crown is far from over. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as riders tackle the demanding Jebel Mobrah climb and navigate the remaining stages. Stay tuned for further updates as the race unfolds.