A bold move for the mountains: Alberto Contador's take on Remco Evenepoel's team switch.
The cycling world is buzzing with excitement as Remco Evenepoel embarks on a new chapter with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, a move that has sparked intriguing discussions. Former Tour de France champion, Alberto Contador, has weighed in, praising Evenepoel's decision as a strategic masterstroke.
While Evenepoel's prowess in time trials is undisputed, his mountain performances have been a mixed bag. However, Contador believes that with the right support, Evenepoel can unlock his full potential in the high altitudes.
"Evenepoel's abandonment on the Col du Tourmalet during last year's Tour de France, and his struggles in the 2023 Vuelta a España, serve as reminders of the challenges he's faced. But these setbacks also highlight the importance of a strong team to navigate the mountains," Contador explains.
And Evenepoel's 2024 Tour de France debut, where he finished an impressive third, is a testament to his growing strength in the climbs. His victory in the 2022 Vuelta a España and his remarkable comeback in the Pyrenees after the Tourmalet disaster further solidify his credentials.
"With the right team, Evenepoel can take his mountain performance to the next level," Contador asserts. "Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe has the personnel to guide him through the long climbs, and this could be the key to a more dominant Tour de France performance."
But here's where it gets controversial: Evenepoel's new team includes riders like Primož Roglič, who finished third in the 2025 Tour, and Jai Hindley. Contador suggests that Evenepoel and his teammates could employ a tactical approach similar to that of Jumbo-Visma in 2022, where they collectively wore down Tadej Pogačar in the Alps.
"Beating Pogačar is an uphill battle, but with the right strategy, it's possible. Evenepoel and his team need to play their cards wisely. If there was a 200-kilometer time trial, the story would be different, but when Pogačar is at his peak, it's a tough ask," Contador adds.
So, what do you think? Is Evenepoel's move a game-changer for his Tour de France ambitions? And can his new team help him overcome the mighty Pogačar? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
