“Things work well between Remco and me” – Vanthourenhout excited to reunite with Evenepoel at Red Bull

Sven Vanthourenhout has officially joined Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, less than two months into his new position but already immersed in the team’s fast-changing environment. His main role will begin in 2026, with responsibilities still being defined but expected to link closely with the arrival of Remco Evenepoel from Soudal – Quick-Step.

Red Bull’s roster for the coming seasons is stacked with general classification talent. Alongside Evenepoel, the team boasts Florian Lipowitz, third place and young rider classification winner at the Tour de France, five-time Grand Tour champion Primoz Roglic, and the stars of the current Vuelta a España, Jai Hindley and Giulio Pellizzari. So, there’s five genuine GC podium threats, which will require careful management. For Vanthourenhout, entering that mix required rapid adaptation.

“It was a challenge to join mid-season,” Vanthourenhout said in an interview with Wielerflits. “I already knew most of the riders and staff, but I'd never spoken to many of them. I was curious how the introduction would go, but in the end, it went very quickly. I rode five stage races with the team in six weeks, with the U19, U23, and WorldTeam levels. I also attended many meetings and had many conversations. Those were intense, but instructive weeks.”

Vanthourenhout revealed that discussions with the team had been ongoing for more than a year. “Last year, we had extensive discussions at the end of the season, but the team was already complete by then, and there wasn't really a suitable position available for 2025. We did agree to meet again towards 2026. In the spring, I had a lot of conversations with Ralph again. He presented the new project to me and explained the many plans of owner Red Bull. We then decided to take on the challenge and bring me on board.”

That “new project” points directly to Red Bull’s ambition to build the most dominant GC squad in cycling. The Austrian energy drink giant has reshaped the team since taking full ownership, pouring resources into structure, staffing, and rider signings.

Given his past as Belgian national coach and his close relationship with Remco Evenepoel, speculation was immediate about whether his arrival was tied to the world-class talent joining BORA next year. Vanthourenhout downplayed that link.

“Personally, I don't think there is. Perhaps Ralph has a different opinion on that. Who knows, maybe he's seen in the past that things work well between Remco and me and his team, and that he sees opportunities there. But I've always insisted that my conversations be conducted individually. I always told Ralph: if you want to work with me, you have to believe that I can add value to the situation. So it certainly wasn't my intention to bring us together.”

Still, he admitted that the timelines intersected. “Of course, from the moment we started talking with Remco just before and during the Tour de France, I quickly knew the story would have a positive outcome. I assumed people would connect that to me. I've heard a lot from Remco in recent weeks, as have his entire entourage, but that's separate from the steps I've taken myself.”

Vanthourenhout was alongside Evenepoel when he captured double Olympic gold in Paris last year, a milestone that deepened their bond. “I've always kept in touch with him, even after I finished my role as national coach. Sometimes about matches, but also about the simple things in life. He could always vent to me. I wasn't tied to anything, so I could always listen carefully without giving biased opinions. We've always had close contact, but it will become even more intense after the road season. But from a different perspective, within the team.”

As he has settled into the role, Vanthourenhout has emphasised the importance of structure and defined responsibilities. “A lot is changing within the team, and even today, there's a lot of talk about getting everyone in the best possible position, where everyone brings their own added value. Without going into too much detail, I think that was precisely the problem in the past. Now everything is gradually falling into place. Only by the time of the first training camp should the structure be finalized and everyone know their position.”

Vanthourenhout described his own arrival at Red Bull as a process of self-discovery. “To be clear: I haven't made any demands, but there have been many conversations. Not in the way you see with your average team. I went to Red Bull in Salzburg for a few screenings, where I also discovered and rediscovered parts of myself. It turned out that I enjoy working with people and getting the best out of them.”

That focus on human development aligns with Red Bull’s broader approach. It’s not only about physical performance but also about building an environment where athletes and staff feel supported and valued.

Despite stepping away from direct coaching for a period, Vanthourenhout never disconnected from the sport. “Racing has always been my greatest passion, and it's never left my life. I've distanced myself somewhat, but then again, I haven't. I was aware of every result and everything that was happening, and I was often present at races. But it's also fantastic to be part of something again. It was a hectic period, but things will gradually calm down. I'm still doing a few Belgian races as a team leader, we're making plans for the team camp, and then 2026 will soon be here.”

For now, he remains embedded in the day-to-day operations, but the long-term picture is clear: his role will crystallize in 2026, just as Remco Evenepoel makes his debut in Red Bull colours and the team attempts to transform its talent into lasting success. Can the team take the fight to UAE and Visma? Will one or two of the GC talents be forced to move elsewhere? All questions will be answered in the coming months, and Red Bull will certainly be one of the key narratives in 2026.