"As hard as possible for as long as possible" - Remco Evenepoel happy with plan and execution of Mallorca races

Remco Evenepoel travelled to Mallorca to kick off his 2026 season and has done so to perfection. In three races, he was the key for the German team to win all three, and not only did he put out strong power numbers, but he also used these as ideal preparation for bigger races ahead.

"2026 has already gotten off to a good start," Evenepoel told Het Laatste Nieuws, “It was the right choice to ride the three races in Mallorca and to make them as hard as possible for as long as possible. That's the only way I can make progress".

Perhaps taking a page out of Tadej Pogacar's book, Evenepoel began the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana with intentions of attacking from far. He did so, succesfully dropping his rivals on the Coll du Sóller and then riding solo all the way to the finish.

The next day at the Trofeo Andratx he seemed to be setting up Maxim van Gils, but when the team couldn't make it happen on the day's main climb, Evenepoel himself went off the front in the rolling section between climbs and then beat Mathys Rondel after the two attacked from the group.

"I hope to continue this trend. The most important thing now is to maintain this form and even sharpen it a bit."

The Belgian has had a busy schedule since finishing the 2025 season but also a few moments of rest which have seemingly not slowed down his form building towards the new season. With the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana being held this week, Evenepoel will have yet another set of stages to set a benchmark before Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard even begin their season.

Over the past few months there has been a clear goal to close the gap to Tadej Pogacar, both from Evenepoel and Vingegaard - who are following very different programs. The Belgian has changed his training methods too and knows there is no escaping the constant high intensity. This will apply to both training and racing.

"Fortunately, I'm not a coach, and I don't have to decide that. That's work for Dan [Lorang] and co. But generally speaking, I will continue working at high intensity, which I will automatically gain in the upcoming races, and with changes in pace: attacking and maintaining that effort."

Last year Evenepoel had an absolutely astounding run of form late in the year, winning the World and European time trial titles; and finishing second only to Tadej Pogacar at the Worlds, Europeans and Il Lombardia road races - ahead of the competition isolated, the same way Pogacar did ahead. Hence it can be understood that the days of slowly building form throughout the winter are over, and intensity is the priority.