“He’s as much a perfectionist as a Formula 1 driver” — Remco Evenepoel begins early preparation for 2026 with days-long aerodynamic testing in US wind tunnel

Remco Evenepoel isn’t wasting a single moment before the 2026 cycling season begins. While most riders are already on holiday, the Belgian star has spent the past week fine-tuning every aerodynamic detail of his setup — in true Formula 1 style.

The 25-year-old travelled to California for extensive testing at Specialized’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel in Morgan Hill, the same facility used by some of the world’s fastest time triallists. The visit came straight after the first team days with his new outfit, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, in Germany.

According to Specialized, Evenepoel spent a total of fifteen hours in the tunnel across two intensive days, working alongside a fifteen-strong team of engineers and performance experts. “His dedication and attention to detail are remarkable,” said Leo Menville from Specialized to La Dernière Heure. “He arrived at seven in the morning and didn’t leave until early evening. Just before flying home, he even squeezed in a half-hour track session to test his time-trial position. He’s as much a perfectionist as a Formula 1 driver.”

Evenepoel’s commitment to marginal gains has long been one of his trademarks. Despite finishing his 2025 season three weeks ago with a 2nd placed finish at Il Lombardia - his final race for Soudal - Quick-Step - he postponed his holiday to ensure no stone was left unturned ahead of the new campaign.

The visit was the latest in a long-running collaboration with Specialized, highlighting the trust and technical partnership that has developed over the years. “We’ve built more than just a professional relationship with Remco,” added Menville. “He’s constantly looking for improvements, and that mindset pushes us to innovate too.”

Now, after a demanding stretch of travel and testing — from Germany to California — Evenepoel can finally take a well-deserved break. But true to character, his preparation for 2026 is already in full swing.