“This move comes at just the right time in his career” – Remco Evenepoel set for first meeting with Red Bull teammates as new era begins

The 2025 cycling season may have only just drawn to a close, but preparations for next year are already well under way — and for Remco Evenepoel, this week marks the beginning of a new chapter. Less than ten days after riding his final race in Soudal - Quick-Step colours at Il Lombardia, the Belgian superstar is now linking up with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe for the first time as the team holds its traditional end-of-year gatherings.

Evenepoel’s official contract with the Red Bull-backed outfit doesn’t begin until the 1st of January, but the 25-year-old has already joined his new teammates and staff for introductory meetings and bonding activities — the first real taste of his new environment after ending his final year with Soudal - Quick-Step.

“He’s really enthusiastic,” revealed new sports director Sven Vanthourenhout, speaking to Sporza at last weekend's Superprestige Ruddervoorde. “He’s looking forward to this week — it’s a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better in a different setting.”

Vanthourenhout, who himself only joined Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe on 1 August, believes the move has come at the perfect moment for Evenepoel. “There’s never any shortage of ambition or motivation with Remco, but this is something new at just the right time in his career,” he said. “He’s excited about it.”

For Evenepoel, this week’s team camp represents more than just a change of kit. It’s the start of a long-anticipated partnership with Red Bull and a chance to begin a fresh chapter after closing out his time at Soudal–Quick-Step — a period that delivered major wins but also signalled that both rider and team were ready for a new direction.

With Red Bull’s vast resources and BORA–hansgrohe’s proven Grand Tour structure, expectations are sky-high. Vanthourenhout says the immediate focus is on building cohesion ahead of next season. “I’ve had a very pleasant introduction to the team,” he explained. “Now we’re looking ahead to 2026. At the team camp, we’ll meet the new faces, carry out evaluations and set out our plans for the season.”

For Evenepoel, that planning process begins this week — a symbolic moment that marks the true start of the Red Bull era, and perhaps, the next leap forward in one of cycling’s most compelling careers.