“Someone like that boosts team spirit” – But will Remco Evenepoel be the sole leader at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe?

Remco Evenepoel’s long-rumoured move has finally been confirmed. The Belgian star will leave Soudal – Quick-Step to join Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe in 2026, ending one of the sport’s most drawn-out transfer sagas. Although his original contract ran through the end of 2026, Quick-Step has confirmed that the deal has been broken. Evenepoel’s exit sets the stage for a major power shift in the WorldTour peloton, but how have some of his new teammates taken the news?

"I'm excited," Finn Fisher-Black told Domestique. "I've driven with guys of that caliber in the past, like Tadej Pogacar, and Remco is another one of those. I'm happy he's on the team. Someone like that boosts team spirit, but that's next year, and we're looking ahead to the rest of this year."

The 23-year-old New Zealander believes Evenepoel's presence could elevate the entire team. "I think a winning environment changes the whole team atmosphere. It puts everyone in a positive frame of mind," he said. "So, with such a fantastic rider on the team, the whole team naturally moves forward. It makes the whole team a bit more professional. When everyone is in a good mood, the team works well."

He compared it to his experience at UAE Team Emirates. "You see that at UAE, for example; almost every rider wins races there. So I'm curious to see what that can mean for the whole team. Remco is one rider, but he can bring this feeling to the team, which will allow them to achieve more success in other areas."

Dani Martinez shared that optimism. "A new chapter is opening, so I'm happy he's here. With him on the team, we definitely have a very strong squad. He's a hugely important rider and he'll definitely add a lot to the team. That's the point, he's joining our team."

Not everyone sees it as a seamless fit. Belgian analyst Jan Bakelants warned that Evenepoel might not have an uncontested path to leadership. "Timing-wise, this isn't the best moment for a move to Red Bull: Florian Lipowitz's breakthrough makes everything more complicated," Bakelants said.

Bakelants is of course referring to the fact that Evenepoel abandoned last month’s Tour de France, with Florian Lipowitz taking his place in the white jersey and third spot in the podium. Before Evenepoel can take the fight to Pogacar and Vingegaard, he must establish himself as the leader in his team.

"Two months ago, you would have thought Remco would be the absolute leader, but now he's going to have to assert his position. Because how do you distinguish between the two? I'm still convinced that an Evenepoel in top form is a better rider than Lipowitz, but does everyone see it that way?"

He added that the team’s leadership puzzle extends beyond Evenepoel and Lipowitz. "There's also Primoz Roglic," he said. "Is there still a role for him? And what role? Roglic always does what he wants and hasn't ridden for anyone else too much in his career. There's also Giulio Pellizzari. The Italian is only 21, but he already finished an impressive sixth in the Giro. You also have to give that guy the opportunity to develop. Sporting manager Sven Vanthourenhout will have a lot of work to do to get them all on the same page."

Still, the team leadership is banking on Evenepoel’s influence. “Remco stands for ambition. He doesn’t just want to ride – he wants to shape cycling,” said Ralph Denk, CEO of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. “He brings not only exceptional athletic talent, but also a remarkable mindset. His determination, professionalism, and relentless drive to succeed are truly inspiring.”