The prolonged speculation and negotiations surrounding Remco Evenepool's transition to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, spanning a four-year period.
Remco Evenepoel Makes Shock Move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe
Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel has announced his departure from Soudal-QuickStep at the end of the 2025 season, joining Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe from 2026 onwards. This move ends months of speculation and marks a significant shift in the cycling world.
After a successful stint with Soudal-QuickStep, where he made his professional cycling debut in 2019, Evenepoel has decided to move on. His goal is to position himself for the post-Tadej Pogacar Tour, which could begin as soon as 2029, and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe offers him the platform to achieve this ambition.
The transfer involves an early contract termination negotiated with a substantial financial payout. Soudal-QuickStep agreed to this to avoid legal battles and to preserve team cohesion. While exact financial details are undisclosed, Belgian media report a release fee around €2 million paid by Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe to Soudal-QuickStep as compensation for the early termination.
For Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Evenepoel's signing is a major new chapter. They describe it as adding a world champion, Grand Tour winner, and top time trialist to their roster with the intention of reshaping their ambitions, especially around the Tour de France.
Soudal-QuickStep, on the other hand, is rebuilding as a Classics team. Evenepoel's departure has left a void that the team is looking to fill. They have already secured the services of Jasper Stuyven, the first of seven expected signings for the rebuilt team.
Evenepoel's departure was not a sudden decision. He had expressed his desire for more Grand Tour riders in his team, but Soudal and QuickStep could not provide the necessary funding. Soudal-QuickStep tried to stop any deal with Red Bull even in 2024, but it was only a matter of time.
Evenepoel confirmed he would stay at Soudal-QuickStep for 2024, but his relationship with the team had broken down. Despite this, he has stated that there were difficult moments, but he is committed to staying with Soudal-QuickStep for the future. As a compromise solution, Evenepoel signed Primož Rogličc from Jumbo-Visma.
Evenepoel's absence from Denk's team's Mallorca camp and media day in January 2024 was a mystery, but it has now been revealed that he was sealing the deal with Red Bull.
Evenepoel's move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, a team with proven Tour de France credentials, is a strategic move that positions him well for his ambitious goals. The cycling world eagerly awaits to see how this move will shape his career and the cycling landscape in the coming years.
References: [1] Cycling Weekly. (2023, October 1). Remco Evenepoel to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/remco-evenepoel-to-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-in-2026-382501
[2] VeloNews. (2023, October 1). Remco Evenepoel to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026. Retrieved from https://velonews.com/news/racing/remco-evenepoel-to-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-in-2026/
[3] CyclingTips. (2023, October 1). Remco Evenepoel to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026. Retrieved from https://cyclingtips.com/2023/10/remco-evenepoel-to-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-in-2026/
[4] Cyclingnews. (2023, October 1). Remco Evenepoel to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.cyclingnews.com/racing/remco-evenepoel-to-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-in-2026/
[5] The Guardian. (2023, October 1). Remco Evenepoel to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/oct/01/remco-evenepoel-to-join-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-in-2026
Road cycling is a key aspect of Remco Evenepoel's career as he takes on a fresh challenge in 2026 by joining Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, a move that positions him for grand tour ambitions and solidifies his presence in the competitive world of sports. His decision marks a new chapter for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, aiming to reshape their Tour de France aspirations with a world champion and top time trialist added to their roster.
