It’s never easy to watch a champion struggle, but that’s exactly what happened to Remco Evenepoel this week at the UAE Tour. The young cycling prodigy, who once dominated the race, found himself unable to keep up with the pack on the final climb up Jebel Hafeet, losing a significant 52 seconds to stage winner Isaac del Toro. For a rider of Evenepoel’s caliber, this wasn’t just a setback—it was a stark reminder that even the best have off days. But here’s where it gets interesting: instead of dwelling on the disappointment, Evenepoel is already looking ahead, planning to retreat to an altitude training camp to rebuild his form. And this is the part most people miss: altitude training has historically been a game-changer for him, often leading to significant improvements in his performance. So, while this week may not have been his finest, it could very well be the catalyst for a stronger comeback.
Evenepoel, riding for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, openly admitted that he wasn’t at the level needed to compete for victories in the mountain stages. In his own words, ‘I didn’t reach the level I needed to compete for victories in both mountain stages. It turns out I didn’t fully digest those first races [in Mallorca and Valencia]. I was also a bit sick afterwards – a runny nose. Although that’s no excuse. I did ride a good time trial here on Tuesday, but I didn’t recover well from that.’ His honesty is refreshing, but it also raises questions: Is the pressure of early-season racing taking a toll, or is this a sign of a deeper issue? Fans and critics alike are divided, and the debate is heating up.
Despite his 10th-place finish on the general classification (GC), far from his 2023 UAE Tour victory, Evenepoel remains optimistic. With the Volta a Catalunya on the horizon, he’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, João Almeida, and Tom Pidcock. This race will be a true test of his form and a chance to silence the doubters. But here’s the controversial part: some argue that Evenepoel’s reliance on altitude training is a crutch, while others believe it’s a strategic move. What do you think? Is altitude training a shortcut to success, or an essential tool for elite athletes?
As we wait to see how Evenepoel fares in Catalunya, one thing is clear: this week’s struggles have added a new layer of intrigue to his story. Will he bounce back stronger, or will this be a season of challenges? Only time will tell. And don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments—is Evenepoel’s approach a recipe for success, or a risky gamble?
