"It couldn’t be otherwise": Remco Evenepoel aims for three Championship titles in 2026

Although the cycling season has only just begun, teams and federations are already mapping out their major goals for the year. In Belgium’s case, national selector Serge Pauwels has held talks with his leading star, Remco Evenepoel, to define the rider’s focus for the key events of 2026.

Evenepoel comes off a standout 2025 in time trials, where he claimed national, European, and World titles. On the road he was also close to victory, but finished second in all three: first behind Tim Wellens at the national championships and then beaten by Tadej Pogacar at both the Europeans and the Worlds.

However, over the winter Evenepoel had already hinted that he might shift his attention more towards road races than against the clock. Pauwels recently confirmed that scenario while assessing the calendar for the major championships scheduled late in the season.

In 2026, the calendar features the Road World Championships and the Time Trial World Championships in Montreal, as well as the European Road Championships and the European Time Trial Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia. But at the latter, due to its proximity to Il Lombardia, he is unlikely to start. That means he will look to face Tadej Pogacar three times on those stages.

The national selector explained that the schedule does not particularly suit Evenepoel if he wants to tackle every event at full strength.

"Remco is very keen to ride the European Championships. But the individual time trial falls on a less favorable date than last year; the Wednesday after the European Road Championships," Pauwels noted.

The Belgian coach also explained why the organizers chose that order in the calendar: "That means it falls four days before Il Lombardia. It couldn’t be otherwise. If they had scheduled it for the Wednesday before the European Road Championships, riders would still be dealing with jet lag after Worlds in Canada. So I understand the calendar, but it will have consequences for Remco."

For this reason, the rider’s approach to the Europeans could change. "His goal at the European Championships will therefore be the road race," Pauwels confirmed. "At the Worlds in Canada, he will again go for both titles; we’ve already discussed it."

In the current constellation, Evenepoel could target up to three of the four major titles on the international calendar if he wins the European road race and fights for both rainbow jerseys in Montreal.