“I have had very few training days with just easy riding” – Remco Evenepoel reveals secret to his electric Red Bull start

For all the talk of new colours, new staff, and a perfect start in Mallorca, the clearest explanation for Remco Evenepoel’s early-season form lies not in race tactics but in what happened long before the flag dropped.

In an interview with Sporza, Evenepoel opened up about the philosophy behind his winter work and how it’s already shaping his 2026 campaign.

“I have had very few training days with just easy riding,” Evenepoel said ahead of his first stage race with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. “There was always some kind of exercise, or I had to create fatigue. That is his philosophy.”

The “his” in that sentence is Dan Lorang, Evenepoel’s new coach, whose training approach is already leaving a visible imprint on the Belgian’s racing.

Evenepoel explained that Lorang’s methods are built around constant load rather than recovery spins.

“There was always some kind of effort, or I had to create fatigue,” he said. “He has already given me a lot of tough sessions and sessions where I really suffered in training, but that have to pay off in racing. That has already worked out well. There have been no sessions that I couldn’t complete.”

That last line is telling. It suggests not just intensity, but a careful calibration of what Evenepoel can absorb. The result was seen immediately at the Challenge Mallorca, where he turned what was meant to be a simple team time trial appearance into three race days and three victories.

Those wins were the visible part. This is the explanation behind them.

Evenepoel admitted that, according to the original plan, he was not even meant to ride the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana.

“According to the original plan, I would not have ridden this race, but the team bosses wanted me to start racing a bit earlier,” he said with a smile inside the Red Bull team bus.

That decision was helped by the race profile. A time trial on day two, hilly stages in a region where Evenepoel is based, and a controlled five-day test that can serve as a stepping stone towards the UAE Tour.

“It’s quite clear that I’m going for the win in the time trial and then try to take as much time as possible. After that we can look towards the important stage on Saturday.”

Evenepoel is also well aware that this is a step up from Mallorca. “It won’t be handed to me on a plate here,” he said, referencing the higher level of competition, including riders such as Joao Almeida. “It’s motivating to perform against such riders and to test myself. It’s a new step towards everything that still follows.”

This race also marks the first time Evenepoel rides alongside teammates who were not present in Mallorca. He pointed to the presence of Aleksandr Vlasov as a tactical asset.

“I think we can play two cards,” Evenepoel said. “After the time trial, we will know where Vlasov stands, and then Saturday will be decisive.”

He added that Vlasov is on the long list for the Tour, meaning that races like this are not only physical tests, but opportunities to build understanding within the squad.

Evenepoel spoke positively about how quickly he has adapted to Lorang’s structure.

“Every coach has his own vision. I digest his training sessions and schedules well. I have only had a good feeling so far, and the communication is good, as are the results. That I win immediately after tough training periods is positive for both of us.”

The Mallorca hat trick may have caught the eye. But for Evenepoel, it was simply confirmation that the demanding winter work is already translating into race performance.