"Constantly having to keep things secret..." - Evenepoel on dropping negotiations stress, aero testing and ideal place with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe

Remco Evenepoel has talked about how he is considering his schedule for the 2026 season with two clearly outlined plans which depend on the route of the Giro d'Italia. But in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws, the Belgian rider has also discussed his recent aero training, first impressions with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and letting go of the pressure sustained before his transfer announcement.

"I think I've made the right choice. I'm going to adapt to the new philosophy as best I can. And see what results it leads to. My first impressions were very positive," he said this week. He has nothing but complements for the German team which he has joined on a multi-year deal, with a higher salary and with his final year of contract with Soudal - Quick-Step having been bought out.

"Everything is a bit more structured. For example, by January 1st, every rider will already know their complete training and race schedule for 2026. That's how I like it," he admits.

In his schedule a start either at the Volta ao Algarve or UAE Tour, then either Paris-Nice or Volta a Catalunya; then how much he will race during the spring classics will depend on whether he races the Giro d'Italia or not. Either ways, the Tour de France is in the plans.

And for this, he has a backup team that is over twice the size of Quick-Step's. Could this lead to an improvement? "The team, including riders, has over 200 people. Each with their own specific role and tasks, which were more cumulative at Soudal Quick-Step".

After ending his season Evenepoel was present for a few days at a team camp in Austria and then, together with several of BORA's new riders, travelled to the Specialized headquarter in California, USA, to go through extensive hours in the wind tunnel for aerodynamics testing.

"During my wind tunnel testing at Specialized in California, I was assisted by a large crew. Back then: three people. The input from aerodynamics enthusiasts Dan Bigham and Jonny Wale was especially enormous. Not that they could change much. But their small, sometimes crazy ideas certainly added value." Only now in November is he enjoying time off, before kicking things off in December.

"It's nice to be able to look ahead. Over the past few months, I've been able to shake off the pressure and stress of negotiations and constantly having to keep things secret," he says, referring to last year's constant rumours. "At a certain point, it had become so overwhelming that it led to glitches here and there. Those few percent off quickly affect your feelings and results at that high level."