Remco Evenepoel Kicks Off His New Chapter with a Thrilling Victory in the Red Bull TTT
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The season's initial race against the clock served as an exhilarating sneak peek for what lies ahead—the team time trial at the Tour de France on the streets of Barcelona, a challenge Evenepoel and his teammates will face come July.
In his first outing donning the Red Bull colors, Evenepoel played a crucial role in leading his new squad to victory during the 23.8-kilometer team time trial, clocking speeds close to 60 kilometers per hour on the picturesque roads of Mallorca. (Photo: Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
Published January 29, 2026 10:14 AM
The journey of Remco Evenepoel with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe (https://velo.outsideonline.com/tag/red-bull-bora-hansgrohe) kicked off in the most fitting manner—through a win that set the tone for the season.
After making headlines with a record-breaking transfer that shook the cycling world (https://velo.outsideonline.com/news/cycling-contract-breakups-money-ego-yellow-jerseys/), Evenepoel took to the track for the first time with Red Bull. He propelled his team to a commendable victory in Thursday's event, showcasing not only speed but strategic teamwork.
"What we accomplished today was almost flawless for this team time trial," Evenepoel remarked in an interview with Eurosport. "While the elevation wasn't particularly challenging, any team time trial is inherently demanding. We executed our plan effectively, and the results reflected that, so we have every reason to celebrate."
This rapid team time trial served as more than just a standalone event; it acted as a crucial rehearsal for the opening stage of the upcoming Tour de France, where the action will commence with a team time trial through the vibrant urban landscape of Barcelona.
It’s worth noting that, unlike conventional team time trials where the clock stops for the fourth or fifth rider, the Tour’s July contest will track each rider's time individually, despite the collective effort of the entire team.
Regardless, the success of Thursday’s debut was vital, affirming the substantial investment that Red Bull has made into Evenepoel (https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/red-bull-deal-catapults-remco-evenepoel-number-2-cycling-salary-list/). Anything less than a win would have been viewed as a significant setback.
Preview for Barcelona
Competing alongside many riders who will support him during the Tour, Evenepoel guided Red Bull to triumph, though the victory margin was narrower than anticipated, with Movistar trailing by just four seconds.
At one point during the race, Red Bull found themselves in third place at an intermediate checkpoint. The turning point came during a crucial ascent, where Evenepoel stabilized the pace before unleashing his speed in the final kilometers.
"We’re now one-for-one in team time trials, so we’ve made a solid start," Evenepoel joked. "It’s great to kick things off here with some solid teammates, many of whom are on the ‘long list’ for the Tour de France.
"Every race brings its own challenges, making it tricky to identify specific areas for improvement. However, today felt nearly perfect. We're ready for the Tour."
Evenepoel’s campaign in Mallorca continues with Friday's Trofeo Serra Tramuntana followed by Saturday's Trofeo Andratx-Pollença, both of which are dynamic single-day races aimed at sharpening his early-season form.
His WorldTour debut is set for next month at the UAE Tour, where he will compete against formidable rival Jonas Vingegaard.
Thursday’s race also provided insight into the broader ambitions guiding this season for Evenepoel and his team. Co-captain Florian Lipowitz, along with several other riders, including Mattia Cattaneo, Gianni Moscon, Maxim Van Gils, and Nico Denz—all part of the team’s Tour long list—also marked their season debuts.
Key team personnel, including sport directors Klaas Lodewyck and Patxi Vila, were present to oversee the proceedings from the team car. Red Bull is clearly just getting started.
When asked about his aspirations for the Tour de France this season after joining one of cycling's latest super teams, Evenepoel did not hold back. "If everything aligns perfectly, I believe I can contend for second place," he stated earlier this week. "As for the top spot? That depends heavily on the strength of Tadej and Jonas."
Thus, the Evenepoel Era at Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe has officially begun. A win was practically non-negotiable on Thursday, and they delivered, leaving his new bosses thoroughly satisfied.
