Evenepoel ended his contract with Soudal-QuickStep a year early to join the German team, in what has become one of the most talked-about moves of the cycling summer. Having been rivals at the Vuelta a España and Tour de France, Roglič and Evenepoel are now set to ride side by side, potentially as co-leaders at the 2026 Tour.
Speaking during the Profronde Etten-Leur criterium in the Netherlands, Roglič made clear his enthusiasm for the Belgian’s arrival. “I’m happy with his arrival; he’s special. Remco has already won quite a few races, so I hope we can achieve great things together,” said Roglič to Nieuwsblad and Indeleiderstrui.
The Slovenian, who conquered the Giro d’Italia in 2023, becoming the first rider from his country ever to do so, and who has also stood on the podium at the Tour de France, is optimistic about the possibilities, though he remains realistic about the challenge of toppling Pogačar and Vingegaard. “We still need to make progress, and hopefully we can improve together. The team is growing, but there’s still a gap with Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.”
Despite the anticipation surrounding the duo, Roglič was cautious when asked about the 2026 Tour de France. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe may decide to split leadership duties between the Grand Tours, and Florian Lipowitz — third overall at this year’s Tour — provides yet another GC option. “The Tour is still a long way off, the last one was only just finished, and it’s not yet certain whether I can actually ride it next year,” Roglič added. “But of course, we will work hard to achieve the best together.”
Roglič’s comments came as he lined up at the Etten-Leur men’s race, a post-Tour criterium that drew a high-profile field. Mathieu van der Poel, who was forced to abandon the Tour after developing pneumonia, also returned to racing there. The Dutchman offered a cautious update on his recovery and his road back toward the Mountain Bike World Championships later this month. “I had to take antibiotics and spend a few days completely off the bike,” Van der Poel said. “I’m feeling better now, but we’re taking it step by step. The World Championships remain the big goal, though we’ll have to see how the body responds.”
Also present in the Dutch criterium were Ben Healy, Oscar Onley and Thymen Arensman, giving the event a Tour de France afterglow despite its festive, relaxed atmosphere. With Evenepoel’s arrival, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe now boasts a formidable trio of GC contenders in Roglič, Evenepoel and Lipowitz. Whether they will unite forces at the Tour or spread their ambitions across the season remains to be seen, but for Roglič, the excitement of a new partnership is already clear. “Remco has already won quite a few races,” Roglič said, “so I hope we can achieve great things together.”
