"I won't just participate in the Tour de France every year. I also want to do the Giro and the Vuelta" - Remco Evenepoel's future goals after Tour de France success
Cycling
Remco Evenepoel has the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a Espana on his mind, despite just finishing runner-up at the 2026 Tour de France. The Red Bull - BORA Hansgrohe leader has established himself as a definitive Grand Tour contender after a career-best performance over three weeks this month.
With Tadej Pogacar's Tour de France dominance, Evenepoel still harbours ambitions to win cycling's biggest race, but is realistic in his assessment of exactly what he's up against in the race to Paris. Looking elsewhere, Evenepoel sees potential to win another Grand tour while also competing at La Grand Boucle.
Assessing his 2026 Tour, Evenepoel took the time to set the record straight on his credentials as a general classification rider in grand tours. Noting his two podium finishes and Vuelta triumph back in 2022, he stressed his potential over three weeks.
"This Tour was very difficult, with more elevation gain than in recent years and a particularly gruelling finish," said Evenepoel after the race.
Evenepoel eyes Giro and Vuelta
"I won the Vuelta, finished 2nd and 3rd in the Tour de France, and abandoned the Giro while wearing the pink jersey due to COVID. So you can't say I've had a bad Grand Tour career. I know my potential, and if I start in good form, I know I can achieve a good overall ranking."
Looking outside the Tour, Evenepoel wants to start the other big races. Already a Vuelta a Espana champion in 2022, its often punchy terrain and versatile stages make him a contender if he was to start. He also won three stages in the 2023 edition.
His Giro d'Italia history is a little more complicated than the Vuelta. Making his debut in a Grand Tour and returning from a serious injury, he abandoned the race midway through. In 2023, he abandoned the race while in the leader's jersey and with two stage wins under his belt due to COVID.
He added: "It goes without saying that I won't just participate in the Tour de France every year. I also want to do the Giro and the Vuelta.
Remco Evenepoel and Tadej Pogacar after the 2026 Tour de France
Evenepoel pays tribute to Tadej Pogacar
Paying tribute to Tadej Pogacar, Evenepoel is trying to focus on himself. Noting that he's brushing shoulders with greatness, the Belgian finds inspiration in his stature within the world of cycling.
"I finished second, 6'26" behind. I think my level has improved, but Tadej is also progressing, or at least maintaining his level. I continue to focus on myself and try to improve every little detail. If I can't, so be it."
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"We mustn't forget that I finished second behind someone who is making history again. That's perhaps even more beautiful than my second place. I achieved this by following a phenomenon and an exceptional talent.
"I am honoured to be able to race against such a man and, from time to time, to find myself alongside him and try to beat him. I succeeded in this Tour, and it's a new step for me."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I get the point totally. We live in the snowflake society where some riders forget they are getting paid to ride and get results. When they have a few issues they try to look outside of the real issue instead of themselves. It odd so many of the team are making no complaints and getting on with their job. If you do not like what you do find another job simples. Tough love as my mum would say.paultryan200207-11-2026
- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
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