Remco Evenepoel Targets WorldTour Win at 2026 UAE Tour | VeloNews
The UAE Tour is set to begin Monday, and for cyclist Remco Evenepoel, the stakes are evolving. While he boasts 13 stage race victories, only three have come at the WorldTour level – a distinction that increasingly matters to the Belgian rider as his career progresses.
A Shift in Focus
“At this stage of my career, WorldTour wins matter more to me than ProTour wins,” Evenepoel stated to Sporza. This ambition comes as he prepares to compete in a race he previously won in 2023, besting Luke Plapp and Adam Yates for the overall title. His other WorldTour successes include the 2022 Vuelta a España and the 2020 Tour de Pologne.
The desire for more prestigious wins is evident when compared to fellow top cyclists Tadej Pogačar, with 19 GC triumphs (14 at WorldTour level), and Jonas Vingegaard, with 11 GC triumphs (7 at WorldTour level). Evenepoel’s current ratio of 23 percent of GC wins at the WorldTour level highlights a potential area for growth.
Personal Connection to the Race
Evenepoel’s motivation extends beyond professional goals. His wife, Oumii Rayane, has Moroccan roots and practices Islam, a connection he feels deeply. “As my second family is Arabic as well, the UAE Tour is a race I’d like to do every year when it fits into my programme,” he explained. He shared on Instagram last April that his wife’s faith is “something we share and we’re proud to be able to share it.”
Competition and Opportunities
While Evenepoel is considered a favourite, he acknowledges the strong competition. Isaac Del Toro of UAE Emirates-XRG, who has 21 pro victories, is seen as a rising star and a key rival. Del Toro acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence, stating, “Remco is the favourite for the palmares he has. I also hope to be one of the best riders this week.” Lennert Van Eetvelt, a previous UAE Tour winner, also aims to perform well.
The race schedule presents several opportunities for success. Four stages are likely to end in bunch finishes, while stage 2 features a time trial where Evenepoel hopes to gain an advantage. The uphill finishes on stages 3 and 6 to Jebel Mobrah and Jebel Hafeet will also be crucial for overall contention.
Looking Ahead
Evenepoel is confident in his preparation and strategy. He plans to leverage the time trial and capitalize on opportunities in the hilly stages. He also recognizes the strength of the UAE Emirates-XRG team, particularly Isaac Del Toro and Adam Yates, anticipating a challenging battle for the overall title. He believes a strong performance in the time trial could set the stage for a successful race.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Remco Evenepoel hoping to achieve at the UAE Tour?
Remco Evenepoel is aiming to increase his number of WorldTour level victories, as he believes these wins hold more significance at this stage of his career.
Who are some of Evenepoel’s main competitors in the UAE Tour?
Isaac Del Toro of UAE Emirates-XRG and Lennert Van Eetvelt are identified as key competitors, though the field also includes Adam Yates, Felix Gall, Ben O’Connor, Derek Gee-West, and Michael Storer.
What stages of the UAE Tour are considered most important for the overall classification?
Stage 2’s time trial, and the uphill finishes on stages 3 (Jebel Mobrah) and 6 (Jebel Hafeet) are expected to be crucial for gaining time in the general classification.
As Evenepoel prepares to compete, what role do you think personal connections and cultural significance play in an athlete’s performance?