Thijs Zonneveld argues possible transfer destinations for Remco Evenepoel - "You shouldn't go to UAE-Team Emirates, because that's where Tadej Pogacar is"

Remco Evenepoel has a contract running with Soudal - Quick-Step until the end of 2026 but by no means it is certain that it will go all the way. The Belgian has often been cited in the past to lack the support in the mountains when compared to rival teams, and some are interesting in buying out his contract or signing him by all means. Thijs Zonneveld analyzed the contenders.

"Evenepoel has the ambition to win the biggest races, and especially the Tour de France. Then you shouldn't go to UAE-Team Emirates, because that's where Tadej Pogacar is," Zonneveld argued in the Het Wiel podcast. "Not to Visma | Lease a Bike, because that's where Jonas Vingegaard is. That leaves a number of teams. Especially INEOS Grenadiers or Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. INEOS is really struggling, so it's quite a risk to go there. I would advise him to choose mainly for sport. Don't let money weigh too much. That he doesn't make a B-choice because that's where a little more money is offered".

Evenepoel does hold a contract but last year, amongst the rumours of a merge between Quick-Step and Visma, it was said that the Belgian was likely to connect with the bulk of the Dutch team. Even after it was confirmed that this wouldn't happen, team manager Patrick Lefevere has never stood firm on the position that it is impossible for Evenepoel to move away - but instead was often vague with his words, or opted to argue that it's not impossible if the contract was to be payed out by a different team.

Evenepoel himself has had an historic season, achieving only in recent months a double Olympic title - the first male rider to do so in the history of the sport - and a third place at the Tour de France only behind Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Although he thrived at the Tour and had Mikel Landa alongside him at a very high level, comparing Quick-Step's Grand Tour blocks to those of UAE Team Emirates and Team Visma | Lease a Bike currently is not realistic.

"Visma | Lease a Bike as a possible option? Why not? If he wanted to go there last year, that feeling won't go away," the Dutch pundit argues. "But that team can't just put down millions. That would have to be with an external sponsor".

"Evenepoel absolutely wanted to remain loyal to Specialized. The advantage of Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe is that it also rides on Specialized. But you also see that Red Bull throws money and plans around. I understand that young riders think: in two or three years they will be a huge factor. If they are not already. If you put it like that, then it seems to me that they are in pole position."