"Remco is in better shape than me" - Maxim van Gils looking to team up with Evenepoel in Ardennes but also Tour de France

Maxim van Gils was one of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe's many signings into the 2025 season, but one of the several who didn't perform as expected. The Belgian had a season marked by illness, but is hopeful that it is now behind him and in 2026 he will have not only a packed calendar, but also a Tour de France return and several races alongside Remco Evenepoel.

"I think my form last season was better than the year before. It's just that I continued to struggle with the illness. Touch wood, but I haven't felt sick since the operation on October 12th. Let's hope it stays that way," van Gils shared with Wielerflits. Ending the year, the Belgian has a win at the Vuelta a Andalucia to show, as well as one at the Tour of Norway and a third place at the Clásica San Sebastian. Not bad by any shot, but for a rider of his calliber, it lacked the step up he had expected.

In 2026 he will have plenty opportunities to succeed, with a very extensive calendar of one-day and stage-races. He starts off his season the Clásica Jaen Paraiso Interior quickly followed by the Vuelta a Andalucia; then comes Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, Milano-Sanremo, GP Miguel Indurain, Itzulia Basque Country, Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, Liége-Bastogne-Liège and Eschborn-Frankfurt in the spring. In the summer, he should race the GP Gippingen and Tour de Suisse ahead of the Tour de France.

Within all of this racing it's hard to set clear goal, but instead chase wins in many different events. But the two monuments he will participate in are the two priorities: "I think the Milano-Sanremo has a really beautiful course. During the race, I always ask myself why I'm doing it, but after the finish, I think it's really fantastic. I also enjoy riding those roads; it always gives me a special feeling riding on the Cipressa and the Poggio. I'd rather win Liège-Bastogne-Liège than Milan-Sanremo, but if I could choose a second Monument... then it would definitely be the Sanremo".

His summer schedule will likely depend on his performances in the spring, and with such a busy schedule fatigue or lack of altitude training may end up playing a role in his results. But what he wants are the victories. "Now I'm going to races a little more to win. In a way, it also increases my chances, because I'll have enough in the classics".

Within these, he will team up with Remco Evenepoel, namely in the three Ardennes classics. Will he get his opportunity then? "It depends a bit on the race. But if we take Liège-Bastogne-Liège as an example, then I have to honestly admit that Remco is in better shape than me. The Flèche Wallonne suits me well, so I'll definitely try to win there." But van Gils confirms he is in the plans for the Tour de France, making him the fourth rider after Evenepoel, Florian Lipowitz and Mattia Cattaneo.

“I should go to the Tour de France. If I reach my best level, I can definitely be valuable". However, as a puncheur, what would his role be? Stage hunter or domestique in a team that is expected to have very high ambitions? "