Too much or too little? That’s always the risk when it comes to pro cyclists getting ready for a big race like the Tour de France. You need the volume and race miles–but you also need to be fresh. Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe is making sure its star rider, and GC contender is well-rested before the Tour this year.
Modifying 2026 schedule
That’s why Evenepoel will skip the Tour Auvergne – Rhône-Alpes, the team confirmed. He was originally set to ride in the eight-day stage race in June. There are already some other big names set to compete, including Paul Seixas and Isaac Del Toro. Seixas, as was recently announced, will make his Tour de France–and Grand Tour debut in July. The 19-year-old phenom took to social media to announce the news.
Evenepoel had a heckuva spring. He had a packed block that included the Ronde van Vlaanderen, Amstel Gold Race, Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Volta Ciclista a Catalunya. But now the double Olympic champ will step back from racing to focus on recovery and form.
“We have decided together with Remco that he will take a short break from racing after an intense spring,” Zak Dempster, Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe’s chief of sports, said. “The goal is to have him fully fit for the Tour start in Barcelona. After analysing his 25 race days, we believe he will benefit more from a balanced alternative programme than from adding more race hours.”
This year’s Tour is shaping up to be some kinda battle royale.
There’s defending champion Tadej Pogačar, sure, but along with Dane Jonas Vingegaard, Evenepoel, and rookie Seixas, we cycling fans are in for something special if everyone arrives on top form. Pogi recently put on a dominant display at the Tour of Romandie. He will also race the Tour de Suisse in June as part of his Tour preparation.
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