The cycling world is abuzz with the announcement that Olympic Champion Remco Evenepoel is set to make a dramatic schedule change, potentially altering the dynamics of the UAE Tour. Before the calendar reveal in Mallorca, there were whispers of this development, but Evenepoel's initial media statements seemed to rule out the Emirati race. However, recent reports indicate that the Belgian will indeed be present at the UAE Tour in February, setting the stage for an anticipated clash with Isaac del Toro.
Evenepoel's season is set to kick off on January 29th at the Trofeo Ses Salines, a new team time trial event in the Mallorca Challenge. This race will feature several riders from the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team who will later participate in the Tour de France. The Tour begins with a TTT in Barcelona, prompting some teams to start ramping up their preparations for that specific day. Following this, Evenepoel will race the Volta a Comunitat Valenciana near his Spanish home, testing his early-season form.
Initially, Evenepoel's schedule only included the Volta a Catalunya, creating a month-and-a-half gap between the two races, with the Ardennes following after Catalunya. While Evenepoel has an altitude camp at Mount Teide scheduled for that period, it was odd that he wouldn't compete for such a long time. However, according to Het Laatste Nieuws, the decision has been made to add the UAE Tour to the calendar, perhaps with the aid of the race organizers who have been pushing for the star's presence.
If this happens, Evenepoel will go head-to-head with several riders who have already confirmed their presence, including Isaac del Toro and Jay Vine of UAE Team Emirates - XRG, Antonio Tiberi and Damiano Caruso of Bahrain - Victorious, and David Gaudu. This development has sparked curiosity and debate among cycling enthusiasts, with many wondering how this change will impact the race dynamics and the overall competition. Will Evenepoel's decision to join the UAE Tour be a strategic move, or will it create an imbalance in the race? The cycling community eagerly awaits the unfolding drama and the potential for a thrilling race.
