Cyclo-cross stars to race in Glasgow on 13 December

The preliminary startlist for Paris-Nice 2026, set to take place from 8 to 15 March, has been revealed, and the Race to the Sun is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive early-season stage races on the calendar. With Grand Tour winners, proven week-long specialists and emerging GC tale...

Otso isnt making any significant changes to the Warakin platform. The all-road offering that truly does it all in the brands lineup will keep the same geometry, adjustments, and ride characteristics Otso incorporated into the frame.But, it will see two new colors: Sage and Lavender.Sage (left) & Lavender (right)Like the existing Warakin colorsBlue Snow and Burnt Orchethe new paint schemes are simple, providing a clean aesthetic. The Sage colorway features a green/gray base with brown lettering and brown and gold stripes. It is topped with a touch of pearl in the clear coat.Lavender is a light purple paired with blue-ish/green lettering. The decal lettering color is also present on the upper portion of the seatstays as stripes, along with a deeper purple stripe.Otso says that the new Sage colorway pairs especially well with gold, orange, or espresso anodized components from Wolf Tooth. Color coordinating with Wolf Tooth Components will remain an option when buying a Warakin frame or a complete build.The new color options will be available only on the steel version of the Warakin. Otso has two other frame material options for the Warakin: titanium and stainless steel. Those frames continue to see the same color options, which are, well, the raw frame material: titanium or stainless steel.But, aside from the new colors, all three Warakin options remain unchanged.What is the Otso Warakin?Otso really wanted the Warakin to be a true all-road bike, meaning it is ready and adaptable for all surfaces. This means tire clearance up to 50mm and a frame that is super adjustable.The Warakin comes standard with a rigid carbon fork with an axle-to-crown of 420mm. They put the bikes geometry at what wed likely expect for all-road: 71.5 HTA, 73 STA, 383mm reach, and 596mm stack (56cm frame). However, Otso also designed the Warakin to be compatible with a suspension fork.Otso uses 4130 chromoly tubing for the Warakin frames. Each size49cm through 60cmfeatures different tube specs for an optimized ride experience. The smallest frame size also has a slightly smaller wheel size (650b compared to 700c) to better accommodate shorter riders.Despite the smaller size, all the Warakin features, clearances, and mounts are still present on the 49cm frame.The Warakin, like many Otso bikes, features the Tuning Chip rear dropout. This adjustment allows the rider to change the wheelbase by up to 20mm. It also affects the HTA by 0.5 in either direction and raises or lowers the bottom bracket by 4mm.Or, for those loving simplicity, the Tuning Chip can be swapped for Otsos Single Speed Tuning Chip.Otso also equipped the Warakin with tons of mounting points to serve your bikepacking needs. Bottle bosses and triple mounts are found on the seattube and downtube (both top and bottom of the downtube). Fenders and rear racks are also compatible.See the options and new colorways at otsocycles.com.The post The Otso Warakin Gets a New Look Well, Two New Looks appeared first on Bikerumor.

It's been a good few years since the big S last updated the Crux... will we see a revamped one in 2026? Here's what we're hoping will feature on the new bike (if we get one)

Jordi Meeus claimed victory at Le Samyn 2026 with a powerful sprint in Dour after Per Strand Hagenes long solo bid was extinguished inside the final kilometre, and Wout van Aerts return to racing unravelled with late mechanical misfortune. The race had fractured decisively on the finishing circuit...

Cervlos proven endurance racer rolls into the 2026 model year with a fresh update. We thoroughly reviewed the 6,499 allroad bike in the Catalan sunshine around Girona. In the process, we didnt just ask how much performance is hidden within the new Caledonia, but also what role a classic allroad bike actually plays in todays market.Cervelo Caledonia | 7.80 kg in Size 54 | 6,499 | Manufacturers WebsiteWhen you hear the name Cervlo, youre likely to think of uncompromising aero weapons like the S5 or ultra-light climbing specialists like the R5. These are racing machines built to push the absolute limit. However, with the Caledonia, the Californian brand with canadian roots are aiming at a completely different and much broader audience: performance newcomers, all-weather riders, and ambitious Gran Fondo racers.Two years ago, we reviewed the Caledonias premium sister model, the Caledonia-5, and put its uncompromising allroad DNA to the test. For the 2026 model year, Cervlo are following it up with a modern and, significantly, more affordable interpretation of the proven concept.The manufacturers promise is that the bike should be fast, high-quality, and comfortable. According to them, these are the core qualities of a Cervlo: high-quality carbon frames with a focus on performance, without ignoring comfort. It features clean, aerodynamic lines and completely hidden cables. But PR slogans always sound good on paper the crucial question is how much race DNA actually remains at this lower price point for a supposed jack-of-all-trades.Whats more, positioned between the racy S5, R5, Soloist, and the sporty Caledonia-5, the Caledonia aims to be the most balanced road bike in the portfolio. As modern road bikes have become ever more versatile with growing tire clearances, does the Caledonia still justify its place in the line-up??Classic Endurance or Modern Allroad? The Cervlo Caledonia 2026 in DetailBathed in the warm light of the Spanish winter sun, the Caledonia shows off its best side in the Mocha finish. Visually, the 2026 models heritage is clear. Clean, aerodynamic lines and a wonderfully tidy look define its appearance. The dropped seatstays and the bulbous Reserve 40|44 wheels give the bike a balanced, modern style.While the pricier Caledonia-5 sister model boasts features like an integrated storage compartment and an aerodynamic D-shaped seatpost, the standard Caledonia takes a more classic, pragmatic approach. Instead of proprietary aero components, youll find a proven round carbon seatpost, paired with an external seat clamp at the back.A modern look thanks to the strikingly dropped seatstays at the rear and clean integration at the cockpit, where the cables now disappear discreetly under the stem and into the head tube.You wont have to sacrifice high-end aesthetics, as the most significant update is immediately obvious. Cervlo have finally taken the long-overdue step towards integrated cable routing on the Caledonia. Thanks to the new D-shaped steerer tube and the stem fitted to our review bike, the cables vanish very neatly, running underneath the stem before ducking under the headset top cover. This creates a modern, clean front end, yet the classic system still allows plenty of flexibility to adjust the stem or handlebars to your specific needs without any hassle.More freedom for allroad adventures: Tire clearance on the new Caledonia grows to 36 mm and even with mudguards fitted, it still offers enough room for long-distance 34 mm rubber.With 36 mm of tire clearance, the Caledonia keeps things relatively modest. While rivals like the Cannondale Synapse blur the lines between road and gravel with space for 42 mm tires, Cervlo are opting for a middle ground. This should be plenty for broken tarmac and light gravel paths, but it doesnt exactly push the bike into a new category. The mudguard mounts also fit this narrative, providing versatility for foul-weather riders, while keeping the bikes soul firmly on the road.Pragmatism Meets Performance in the Cervlo Caledonia 2026 SpecCervelo Caledonia 2026 6,499SpecificationsSeatpost Cervlo SP19 Carbon 27,2 mmBrakes SRAM FORCE AXS 160/160 mmDrivetrain SRAM Force AXS 2 x 12Chainring 48/35 TStem Cervlo ST36 Alloy 100 mmHandlebar Cervlo HB23 alloy 400 mmWheelset Reserve 40|44 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Vittoria Corsa N.EXT 700 x 30cCranks SRAM FORCE AXS 170 mmCassette SRAM FORCE XG-1270 10-34TTechnical DataSize 48 51 54 56 58 61Weight 7,80 kgSpecific FeaturesMountingpoints for FendersFor your 6,499, Cervlo lean heavily into their own ecosystem with the new Caledonia. Shifting is handled by the proven SRAM Force AXS 212 groupset, which shines with top-tier performance, but raises a few questions when it comes to the gearing choices. The combination of 48/35 t chainrings and a 10-34 t cassette offers surprisingly little in reserve for steep ramps on an allroad bike. Given that this bike aims to appeal to beginners and long-distance riders, at least a 1:1 ratio would have been a more sensible choice. The rest of the spec, including the seatpost, the 100 mm alloy stem, and the 400 mm alloy handlebars, are all in-house components.Spinning in the frame are Reserve 40|44 carbon wheels, which now feature the brands newly-launched hubs. The manufacturer says these are technically on a par with the dependable DT Swiss 350 hubs. Wrapped in 30 mm Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tyres that provide grip and comfort for endless miles, the 7.8 kg total package is designed purely for endurance.The Sweet Spot? The Geometry of the Cervlo Caledonia 2026Cervlo cover a broad range of riders with six frame sizes from 48 to 61 cm. The 415 mm chainstays remain constant across all frame sizes and, on our review bike, are paired with a 996.3 mm wheelbase and a moderate head angle of 72. These figures are a classic recipe for composed handling. Thanks to that long wheelbase and moderate head angle, the bike reacts predictably, rather than feeling twitchy. The Caledonia simply irons out road buzz, giving you the confidence you need when your concentration begins to fade after several hours in the saddle.Compared directly to the aero flagship S5, which is rather more race focused with short 405 mm chainstays and a wheelbase of just 982 mm, the Caledonias geometry is unmistakably allroad. With a stack of 555 mm and a reach of 378 mm, the result is a relaxed stack-to-reach ratio of 1.47. The 136.3 mm head tube also brings the front end up to a comfortable height. Rather than pushing things to extremes, the geometry reflects the Caledonias balanced concept, with a mix of sportiness, stability, and a focus on the long haul. But how does all this theory apply when youre actually out on the road?Size485154565861Top tube502 mm522 mm543 mm565 mm581 mm598 mmSeat tube48 cm51 cm54 cm56 cm58 cm61 cmHead tube89.8 mm110.3 mm136.3 mm162.6 mm191.5 mm217.8 mmHead angle70.571.572727272Seat angle74.57473.5737373Chainstay415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mm415 mmBB drop76.5 mm76.5 mm74 mm74 mm71.5 mm71.5 mmWheelbase983.3 mm985.6 mm996.3 mm1,013.4 mm1,031.8 mm1,048.9 mmReach360 mm369 mm378 mm387 mm396 mm405 mmStack505 mm530 mm555 mm580 mm605 mm630 mmLight and Shade in the Catalan Sun: The Cervlo Caledonia 2026 in ReviewGirona in sunny January provides the perfect stage for a bike that refuses to choose between sporty performance and endurance comfort. From the first few metres uphill, youll see the Caledonias sporty side. Here, composure doesnt mean sluggishness. Quite the opposite, as the Caledonia responds directly to every pedal stroke, feeling far more alive on the climbs than you might first expect. It feels vibrant without becoming twitchy, and you never get the sense that youre sitting on a lethargic endurance bike. Through sharp corners, the Caledonia is precise and consistent, allowing you to push the pace with a great sense of security.As the light begins to fade, we roll back into the narrow alleys of Girona, where the old towns historic cobbles provide the ultimate test. This is where the Caledonia really shows off its well-rounded character. Here, the engineered frame flex works alongside the carbon seatpost to take the sting out of harsh impacts. This is further enhanced by the 30 mm tubeless tires and the ergonomically shaped handlebars, which offer extra damping. Together, they ensure you stay relaxed in the saddle, even after hours of riding on rough surfaces.Its not all sunshine and roses: the stock Vittoria Corsa N.EXT tyres restrict the bikes sporty character. Despite offering solid grip and high levels of puncture protection, they feel sluggish when you accelerate, noticeably sapping the energy from the otherwise lively Caledonia. You will also find that the SRAM Force AXS gearing with its 48/35 t chainrings and 10-34 t cassette takes its toll when you hit those really steep ramps. Tuning tip: Upgrading to wider and faster performance tires will unlock the Caledonias full potential.Who is the Cervlo Caledonia 2026 For?The Cervlo Caledonia 2026 isnt a highly strung specialist for a narrow niche. Instead, its a top-tier generalist that delivers on the promise of a one-bike collection if you value stylish integration, balanced ride quality, and composed handling. Its aimed specifically at performance newcomers who want to experience a true high-end racer, without being overwhelmed by overly aggressive geometry or excessive aero features.Thanks to the boosted tire clearance of up to 36 mm, and those neatly integrated mudguard mounts, year-round riders will find a dependable companion that doesnt shy away from rough tarmac or foul weather. As an ambitious Gran Fondo racer, youll also benefit from the high level of compliance and stable geometry. These features ensure you stay fresh even after hours in the saddle, leaving you with enough power to really put the hammer down in the final sprint.Helmet ABUS Airbreaker | Glasses Shimano Equinox | Jersey Pas Normal Studios T.K.O. MECHANISM THERMAL WOVEN LONG SLEEVE JERSEY | Bibs Canyon CFR Cargo Bibshort | Shoes Specialized S-Works Ares 2 | Socks Cervlo SocksConclusion on the Cervlo Caledonia 2026The Caledonia 2026 is undoubtedly a good bike. However, for just under 6,500, other manufacturers are already offering features like integrated carbon cockpits or power meters, so the price tag is every bit as ambitious as you might expect from Cervlo. It relies on a classic concept, without standout features or gimmicks. With its 36 mm of tire clearance and balanced handling, it sits right between race and endurance, embodying the original allroad idea: a perfect balance of speed, comfort, and versatility. The Caledonia isnt a radical statement; its simply a versatile bike with a harmonious and well-rounded character.TopsComposed and agile handlingGreat handlebar ergonomicsFlopsSlightly sluggish tiresNo power meterFor more information, visit Cervlo.comDer Beitrag New Cervlo Caledonia 2026 Review The Allroad Bike For Every Day? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Portland, Oregons masters of precision, Chris King Precision Components, continues to celebrate 50 years by expanding their mountain hub lineup with SuperBoost 6-Bolt hubsets.(Photos / Chris King)The new SuperBoost 6-bolt offering joins Kings other 6-bolt hubs, as well as the Centerlock options, completing their entire mountain hub family.Whats Kirby have to say?Chris Kings President, Kirby Bedsaul, had this to say.Now we offer 6-Bolt compatibility across all of our mountain hubs. He continues, It really completes the picture for riders across the spectrum. All Chris King mountain hubsets are now available in either brake standard and can run either 36tooth or 72tooth RingDrivetoo, giving riders unprecedented tuning capability and making these the highestperformance, riderconfigurable hubs on the market.What does Jackson Goldstone have to say? While King mountain hubs have traditionally used a 72 tooth RingDrive system, all mountain hubs are now compatible with either the 72t, or the newer 36t option. The 36-tooth RingDrive system was developed in collaboration with the Santa Cruz Syndicate downhill racing team and specifically influenced by current Downhill World Champion Jackson Goldstones feedback and race performance.The 36-tooth option is a departure from Chris Kings traditional 72-tooth RingDrive system. Kings standard 72-tooth hubs provide 5 of hub rotation before engagement, whereas the new 36-tooth version increases this to 10. This creates what the company describes as a balance between pedal engagement and reduced drag. The 36-tooth system redesigns the drive ring teeth to minimize contact patches, which, in turn, reduces hub drag and creates more space for RingDrive 2.0 lubricant. Both drive ring options remain backward compatible with ISO, Classic, and Boost hubs manufactured since the 1990s.Testing with the Syndicate team during the second half of the racing season revealed that the 36-tooth system operates much more quietly than the standard option. This quieter operation made it easier for riders to hear tire and dirt interaction, suspension movement, and other bike feedback that provides valuable information during technical riding. The reduced noise was particularly valued by professional riders who rely on audio cues for performance feedback.Chris King wants you to know that the new 36-tooth ring drive option targets gravity-focused riding. They still recommend their standard 72-tooth hubs for most riders who pedal more than they coast. Plus, riders can swap drive rings depending on terrain requirements. The new SuperBoost 6-Bolt hubsets and 36-tooth RingDrive components are now available through authorized Chris King retailers. Check out the link for more details. ChrisKing.comThe post Chris King Adds SuperBoost 6-Bolt Hubsets + Faster, Quieter 36t RingDrive Option appeared first on Bikerumor.

Cervlo has launched its all-new Caledonia endurance bike, bringing with it some of the improvements that debuted on last years brilliant but pricey Caledonia 5. The new Caledonia sits at the sportier end of the endurance spectrum and looks to be a key rival to purist long-distance bikes such as Giants svelte Defy and Cannondales aero and well-equipped Synapse. The key upgrades to the Caledonia design for the latest model are a lighter construction, bigger tyre clearance, a practical threaded bottom bracket and clever internal routing that enables cockpit swaps without splitting brake hoses. However, for me, the biggest deal about the New Caledonia is itll be available from 3,000 / $3,200 / 2,999 for the 12-speed 105 model, up to a SRAM Force/Reserve carbon-wheel equipped flagship for 5,250 / $6,850 / 6,499. Read more: Cervlo Caledonia 5 Ultegra Di2 review it rides like a dream, but the price is a nightmare Lighter frame The Caledonia looks great with fenders fitted. Cervlo Cervlo has worked on the carbon fibre layup of the Caledonia's frame, resulting in improved head-tube and bottom-bracket stiffness, while increasing compliance thanks to a reshaped seat tube and shaving 53g from the frame weight. That brings the Caledonia frame under the 1kg mark, dropping from the original's claimed 1,031g (painted, size 54) to around 988g. Like the 5, the frame gets removable mudguard/fender mounts. Unlike the Caledonia 5, the standard Caledonia doesnt have the clever down-tube storage. Spec details Cervlo's Caledonia is aimed at being the ideal big-ride companion. Cervlo The Caledonia has been brought in line with the Caledonia 5, with a larger 36mm clearance or 34mm with fenders/mudguards. In whats now becoming an industry-wide shift away from press-fit bottom brackets, the Caledonia has made the switch to the ubiquitous T47 threaded bottom bracket standard. Unlike its electronic-only sibling, the Caledonia 5, the new bike has mechanic-friendly routing. This supports both the high-end fully integrated Cervlo setup (ST31/32, HB18) as found on the Caledonia 5, spero 5 and Soloist, and semi-external routing with a standard 1 1/8-inch interface, meaning it's compatible with many aftermarket stems. Being able to switch out the stem without splitting brake hoses also makes for a bike thats easier to pack for travel. It should make the Caledonia a fine companion for bucket-list overseas sportives or Gran Fondos. Long-distance geometry Cervlo's Caledonia is designed for fast and long rides. Cervlo Cervlo has evolved the geometry and the fork trail to accommodate larger tyres, while maintaining the speed-oriented but comfortable geometry. That means a 72-degree head angle, short 415mm chainstays and mid-length wheelbase. The New Caledonia shares its geometry with the Caledonia 5 a bike with wonderfully reactive handling while feeling stable and smooth over rougher surfaces. Cervlo Caledonia range details Cervlo's Caledonia 105 is the entry into the range, at 3,000. Cervlo The Caledonia range consists of four bikes. The base model has Shimano 105 mechanical, moving up to 105 Di2, then SRAM Rival and topping out with SRAM Force and carbon wheels. All models are available in six sizes: 48/51/54/56/58/61cm. Cervlo Caledonia 105 Cervlo's Caledonia 105 Di2 in the new Mocha colourway. Cervlo Spec highlights: Shimano 12-speed 105 (52/36, 11-34), Vision Team i23 disc tubeless-compatible wheels with J-bend spokes on standard hubs, Cervlo HB23 bar, ST36 stem, Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 32c tyres Price: 3,000 / $3,250 / 2,999 / AU$4,400 / CAN$4,400 Cervlo Caledonia 105 Di2 Cervlo's Caledonia Rival AXS. Cervlo Spec highlights: Shimano 12-speed 105 Di2 (52/36, 11-34), Vision Team i23 disc tubeless-compatible wheels with straight-pull hubs, Cervlo HB23 bar, ST36 stem, Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 32c tyres Price: 4,000 / $4,500 / 3,999 / AU$5,200 / CAN$5,600 Cervlo Caledonia Rival AXS Cervlo's Caledonia Force in the new Midnight colourway. Cervlo Spec highlights: SRAM Rival AXS E1 (48/35, 10-36), Vision Team i23 disc tubeless-compatible wheels with straight-pull hubs, Cervlo HB23 bar, ST36 stem, Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 32c tyres Price: 4,000 / $4,500 / 3,999 / AU$5,900 / CAN$6,000 Cervlo Caledonia Force AXS Spec highlights: SRAM Force AXS E1 (48/35, 10-36), Reserve 40/44 carbon wheels, Cervlo HB23 bar, ST36 stem, Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR G2.0 30c tyres Price: AXS 5,250 / $6,500 / 6,499 / AU$9,000 / CAN$8,650

Latest figures suggest more than half a million car journeys a day avoided by walking and cycling

CyclistI handle the stress pretty well: Remco Evenepoel profileRemco Evenepoel is sitting on a stage in a Mallorcan arts studio, dressed in an unbranded blue hoodie, talking up his programme of racing for 2026. Alongside him, Primo Rogli, his new Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe teammate, cranes his neck and stares a little disinterestedly at the ceiling. In the twilight of his career, nothing seems to impress Rogli that much anymore. When Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohes big-name, big-money signing is unveiled to the worlds media on a balmy winter afternoon, the Slovenian looks on the verge of stifling a yawn.Been there, done that, Roglis body language says, not that his indifference is ever likely to deflect his young Belgian teammates burning ambition. In what was the most anticipated transfer deal yet in the WorldTour peloton, Evenepoel has been hired to topple Tadej Pogaar and win the Tour de France. Now, as they gather at training camp, his new team is swinging into action behind him.Rogli has, of course, been there and done that, most notably during the multi-leadership days at Jumbo-Visma, when he rode shotgun to Jonas Vingegaard and became a key player in the Danes 2022 Tour de France success. But the approach left the team with too many chiefs at times too, specifically during the 2023 Vuelta a Espaa, when both Rogli and Vingegaard were stood down by the team, and the popular Sepp Kuss given a free road to final victory in Madrid. Famously, Rogli didnt approve.Now, after paying a multi-million-euro buyout clause on his last contract with Soudal QuickStep, Evenepoel is the latest jewel in the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe crown, although only a handful of months back, before Florian Lipowitz finished third in the 2025 Tour and Evenepoel was signed, the Slovenian himself was top dog.Not for the first time, Rogli has had to move over and make way for the kids, settling for yet another tilt at the Vuelta instead of one more run at the Giro dItalia or the Tour. Is he really OK with missing what might be his last chance to win the Tour? Apparently so, although when the Tour is mentioned later in the day, he does suggest hed rather be riding it again and lifting his arms in the air one more time.Pete GodingThrough what turns into a long afternoon of media interviews, Evenepoel is asked repeatedly if (a) he can beat Tadej Pogaar; (b) why hes not planning to ride the Tour of Flanders and (c) if he and Lipowitz can work together in the Tour de France. Lipowitz was the surprise package in the 2025 Tour, finishing on the podium alongside Vingegaard and race winner Pogaar, a year after Evenepoel had himself placed third in Paris.Even though both riders are the same age, when the 25-year-old German speaks he comes across as shy and a little hesitant. That diffidence contrasts sharply with Evenepoels clear-eyed confidence. But then his ease in front of the microphones is hardly a surprise. He has been around the sporting scene for a long time, first as a footballing youth team talent who might have turned professional, and now as a Grand Tour winner, World Champion and double Olympic gold medallist.He is media-savvy, and when at the end of the afternoon Cyclists photographer finally gets the chance to shoot him for this feature, he switches easily between smiling Remco, moody Remco, determined RemcoYou cant escape the feeling that after making the move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, he will be a different rider to the occasionally tetchy athlete weighed down by Soudal QuickSteps hesitancy over committing fully to his stage racing ambitions.I have all my information from the past in my backpack, he says when we sit down and chat. Ive taken it to this new team and now its up to our collaboration to become a new version of myself.Punching through the roofIf he really wants to beat Pogaar in the Tour, Evenepoel will have to step up to yet another level. He knows this.Everybody wants to win the Tour, he says, but everybody knows that Tadej has been outstanding. For us its important to go to the Tour with a really strong team to prove we have a big future. We are aiming to be the best team in the world.There are huge expectations from the Belgian media too, who rounded on him a little unfairly after he quit last Julys Tour during the Pyrenean stages due to sickness. He smiles and gestures to the journalists and camera crews packing their kit up nearby.Theyre all still here, he says. In the end, its normal. I have been on the highest level for a few years and won quite a lot of races for Belgium in the Worlds and the Olympics, so theres going to be a lot of expectations. It would be bad if there werent any but Ill have good people around me here to deal with that, he adds. Communication is a very strong point in this team.In the end, after all the speculation over his career plans, the move to Red Bull, which now owns a majority stake in the co-sponsored team, became an inevitability. But it might have been different. Ineos Grenadiers were reportedly closing in on his signature as far back as 2023, with speculation fuelled by the teams need for a high-profile team leader with room to grow as a Grand Tour contender, his friendship with Ineoss Geraint Thomas and the Belgians frustrations with Soudal QuickStep.Evenepoel celebrates on the podium after his 2022 Vuelta a Espaa win.At the time, when asked at the 2023 World Championships in Scotland if he was close to moving to Ineos, Evenepoel dismissed the rumours as shit. Now however hes more honest about why the deal fell through.It was pretty close, he says, but adds, there were some delays and I couldnt really wait any more.Its no secret that the 7m buyout clause from Soudal QuickStep was also a sticking point for Ineoss head of sport, Dave Brailsford. Instead, with Ineos owner Jim Ratcliffe and Brailsfords focus switching to football following the part-acquisition of Manchester United, the Evenepoel deal hit the buffers. But all the time the Belgian was growing increasingly frustrated.There was this roof that I wanted to punch through, but I wasnt getting there. I was frustrated with the fact that we were he pauses, blocked. I stayed because I was promised things, a lot of changes, and I believed it. Then at some point I felt, OK, this is never going to happen, its a no-brainer, I need change.There were a lot of ideas but they never worked out, whereas here they have an idea and everybody goes for it. With so many smart people around me, with the group of riders going up in level, this opens a lot of doors. Related Posts Its a great history were making: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney profile I felt I was playing a character: Bradley Wiggins profile 'We no longer need men for the Tour de France Femmes to exist': race director Marion Rousse profile Arsenals lossWhen Cyclist asks Evenepoel about his footballing career, he looks taken aback.Is this a serious question? he says. In fact it is, because the one characteristic that comes up time and time again when his footballing attributes are discussed is his energy, drive and on-field leadership skills. Although he was small, as a young player he quickly got noticed.When I was 13, playing at PSV in Eindhoven, I got scouted, and the first team that really wanted to invite me was Arsenal.Despite the move not working out, it clearly made a lasting impression on Evenepoel. After watching the team play in April 2024, he admitted that he has been a huge fan of Arsenal since being a kid. In the end though, despite playing for Belgiums youth team, he was let go by Belgian side Anderlecht and that was that. Ironically, the reason cited for the clubs decision to drop the World and Olympic time-trial champion was his lack of speed.I played football until I was 17 so I got quite close to being a professional. The lifestyle is different. It takes a lot less time out of your day, theres more money. I could have stayed with football but Im very happy with the choice I made.Yet he admits that every now and then, when times have been tough, and particularly when hes been recovering from injury, he has pondered what a life in football would have been like.Ive thought I could have had an easier life playing football. Its different. In cycling you have to do five or six hours in the rain, you have crashes, you break bones.In fact crashes some very bad ones have played a big part in Evenepoels development as a bike rider. There was his topple off a bridge at Il Lombardia in 2020, then the horror crash in the 2024 Tour of the Basque Country that also took down Vingegaard and Rogli, and most recently in December 2024 an incident with a postal vans door that forced months of rehabilitation.It was the same shoulder that Id damaged six months earlier, he remembers. It was really bad, like a repeat. I knew how much Id suffer during the rehab, that the surgery would not be good for my body, that Id lose shape, capacity, time.I knew the Tour would come around quick, and Id been off the bike with this injury for almost three months with the shoulder. I had from February to the end of June to prepare. That was all I had its nothing.Pete GodingThe injury pulled him into a spiral of self-doubt, which, he has hinted, bordered on depression.Im quite direct, so when I have a bad moment, like when I abandoned the Tour, I didnt need to talk with the mental coach. I was like, OK, I felt this was coming. I was able to refocus pretty quickly and I think thats one of the reasons for my performances at the end of the 2025 season. But with my shoulder injury I really needed to speak about it because the injury was quite severe and it was 14 weeks off the bike, so I was in really bad shape.I started to doubt if Id get back to a good level, being able to perform in the Tour. In those kinds of moments, its good to speak about it.I think Im mentally quite strong. I usually come back from setbacks at a good level. When theres a lot of pressure, usually Im at my best. I handle the stress pretty well.But there was one other crash that left a more profound scar and which may also explain why hes perfectly happy to be outspoken, particularly about safety, when he needs to be. Evenepoel was racing in the 2023 Tour de Suisse, descending just ahead of Gino Mder, when the 26-year-old Swiss rider crashed on a fast descent and died.Ive had some bad accidents but Im still on the bike. Others have died. Gino was 20 seconds behind me when he crashed.Has safety improved since then?Theyre doing a bit, he says, but its not as impressive as we wanted. Sometimes the decisions being made about equipment and stuff are complete nonsense, mostly about safety. But then we have to do descents where there is a hundred-metre ravine.On descents where they have an open corner, at least put some protection. In skiing, if they go into the net at 200kmh, they might break something but theyre still alive. In cycling, if you miss the corner you might be done.Strong-willed, opinionated and driven, Evenepoel isnt ever likely to be one to back down. As the only rider to rival and in fact, during the Worlds time-trial in Rwanda, to drop Pogaar in the latter half of 2025, his defiant nature shines through.One of the first things Ralph Denk said to me when we talked about me coming to his team was, Dont change your character.I know sometimes it can be a bit controversial in cycling, but in the end I really dont care. Whatever I think is important to say, I will say. And I dont think it matters who I say it to.Evenepoel in the yellow jersey during Stage 6 of the 2025 Critrium du Dauphin. He would finish the race fourth overall.A.S.O./Billy CeustersThe rise of RemcoEvenepoels journey from promising footballer to pro cycling megastar2000Remco Evenepoel is born in Aalst in East Flanders, the son of Patrick, a former pro cyclist who achieved modest success in the early 1990s.2016A pelvic fracture derails Remcos progress as a promising young footballer, leading to his release from club side Anderlecht and his decision to switch his focus to cycling.2017In his first classified race, the four-stage Aubel-Thimister-Stavelot in Belgium, immediately catches the eye with a stage win and the points jersey.2018Marks himself as a star in the making by winning the road race and time-trial at both the European and World Junior Championships.2019Makes the step up to the WorldTour with Deceuninck-QuickStep, the number one-ranked team in the peloton under general manager Patrick Lefevere. An impressive first pro season sees wins at the Clsica San Sebastin and the Belgium Tour as well as second in the World Championships Time-Trial.2020Wins three lesser stage races during a Covid-curtailed season before dominating the Tour of Poland in a field containing Jonas Vingegaard and Simon Yates. Suffers a serious career setback after crashing into a ravine at Il Lombardia in August, which will see him miss the entire spring Classics campaign the following year.2021Returns to racing in May at the Giro dItalia, his first Grand Tour, and goes on to win the Tour of Belgium and Tour of Denmark later in the year.2022Comes of age as one of the worlds top riders by winning Lige-Bastogne-Lige, the Vuelta a Espaa and the World Championships Road Race.2023Doubles up at Lige-Bastogne-Lige among a host of top victories, but despite five stage wins disappoints on GC at both the Giro (DNF) and Vuelta (12th).2024Finishes on the podium in his first Tour de France then wins gold in both the road race and time-trial at the Olympic Games in Paris.2025Finds his form after an injury-curtailed start to the season, finishing the year strongly by winning his third consecutive World Championships Time-Trial in Rwanda.2026Makes the switch to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after seven years with Soudal QuickStep, with the Tour de France likely to be his chief target for the year.Pete GodingEvenepoel onHis scope for improvementI can still improve a lot of things. Training-wise I have already done quite a lot of new things over the past few weeks. Its a different approach and every new stimulus has a positive impact so I think I can improve in general.His ability to win more Grand ToursI know that if everything goes well I can reach a very high level. I want to be the best. Its also my ambition to win the Tour, to win the Giro. I want to win all the races that its possible to win.The growth of rider negotiating power within the pelotons top teamsIts better to talk first within the team, to get things sorted out. Cycling is still old school, but things are changing, with my transfer being such a big deal.Leaving Soudal QuickStep for Red Bull-Bora-HansghroheIm happy that Im here, that Im discovering new things, that I have new people around me. I feel that we will achieve great things together.The post I handle the stress pretty well: Remco Evenepoel profile appeared first on Cyclist.