Remco Evenepoel to earn more than Vingegaard, Van Aert & Van der Poel — only Pogacar will have a higher salary after Red Bull move

When Remco Evenepoel lines up in the colours of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe in 2026, he’ll not only be the centrepiece of one of the most ambitious projects in modern cycling — he’ll also become the second highest paid rider in the entire professional peloton.

The 25-year-old Belgian will reportedly earn between €6 million and €8 million per year under his new contract, placing him behind only Tadej Pogacar, whose value to UAE Team Emirates-XRG continues to command a market-leading salary believed to be between €8–12 million annually.

Evenepoel’s deal represents not only a massive financial commitment from the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team, but a statement of intent: the German team, now turbocharged by Red Bull’s backing, are ready to compete head-on with cycling’s superteams — and they’ve put their money where their ambition is.

Evenepoel now stands ahead of Tour de France double champion Jonas Vingegaard, all-terrain superstar Wout van Aert, and multi-discipline World Champion Mathieu van der Poel in the sport’s financial pecking order.

It’s a status he’s earned not just through results — including a Vuelta a Espana victory, multiple World Championship titles, stage race wins and even a pair of Olympic gold medals — but through a unique blend of star power, marketability, and long-term potential. In a sport increasingly shaped by media presence and global reach, Evenepoel ticks every box.

Evenepoel’s transfer, confirmed by Soudal – Quick-Step following the early termination of his existing contract, ends months of speculation that had swirled despite his deal originally running through 2026. It also reflects a growing trend in the World Tour: long-term contracts are no longer guarantees of continuity.

Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe have been here before — acquiring Primoz Roglic in 2024 under similar circumstances — and were persistent in their pursuit of Evenepoel, beating out other interested parties, most notably INEOS Grenadiers. With Red Bull's funding power and a sweeping reorganisation behind the scenes — including the recent departures of Rolf Aldag and Enrico Gasparotto from BORA’s management — the transfer feels more like a coordinated takeover than a simple rider signing.

The question now is whether this investment will deliver the ultimate prize. With his team built around him and full management support in place, the stage is set. And when the 2026 season begins, Remco Evenepoel won’t just be riding for victories — he’ll be riding with a price tag that reflects the weight of expectation like never before.