Is Remco Evenepoel peaking too early? One cycling legend thinks a recent setback is actually a good sign!
Remco Evenepoel's highly anticipated appearance at the UAE Tour was expected to be another dazzling display of early-season dominance. However, the week unfolded with unexpected challenges on the climbs, leading to much post-stage analysis. While many might see being dropped on Jebel Mobrah and Jebel Hafeet as cause for concern, cycling icon Philippe Gilbert offers a different perspective. He believes these mountain struggles are precisely what show Remco is not peaking too soon.
Evenepoel kicked off the UAE Tour with a strong time trial performance, but the summit finishes painted a different picture. He couldn't match the decisive attacks on both Jebel Mobrah and Jebel Hafeet, later admitting he hadn't reached the necessary level for victory on those days. "I hadn't fully digested those first races… I was also a bit ill," Evenepoel explained, referencing the demanding early-season schedule and a minor illness. He also pointed to a less-than-ideal sleeping environment due to a malfunctioning air conditioner, though that issue has since been resolved. The rider has consistently attributed his performance to a combination of heavy racing, recovery issues, disrupted sleep, and mild illness, maintaining a calm and measured tone.
Philippe Gilbert, a seasoned veteran, emphasizes the importance of context. "He had already raced a lot in the weeks beforehand, went very deep on Tuesday in that downright impressive time trial, and this is his first race in extreme heat: then this can happen," Gilbert told Het Nieuwsblad. He further elaborated, "Still nicely on schedule."
But here's where it gets controversial... Gilbert suggests that the opposite scenario – an overwhelming victory on those climbs – would have been far more worrying. "If the opposite had happened, I would almost be more concerned. Suppose Evenepoel had won that monster climb by five minutes, after his earlier victories in Valencia and Mallorca, then I would gradually have started asking whether he was not peaking far too early. Remco is still nicely on schedule."
This viewpoint completely reframes the UAE Tour's outcome. Instead of a red flag, Gilbert sees it as a natural part of a rider's early-season progression, especially considering Evenepoel's intense start to the year and his recent team change. Gilbert, who has experienced major team switches himself, understands the pressure to immediately impress. He dismissed the notion of alarm bells ringing within the team, stating, "Believe me, that brings stress and high expectations. You want to show yourself immediately, preferably by winning. You cannot say that Evenepoel hasn’t done that."
Evenepoel's week was characterized by his time trial prowess but also by his vulnerability on the climbs. He was distanced twice, and each time he openly analyzed the reasons, consistently reassuring that there's no need for panic. "We don’t need to panic. I’ve raced a lot already, and this is a process towards Catalunya and the Ardennes. Just stay calm and keep going. It will be fine," he stated.
While the overall victory in the UAE Tour slipped away, Evenepoel's broader season remains on track. In a sport where early season brilliance can sometimes lead to a later burnout, Evenepoel's imperfect week might be a testament to strategic timing rather than a sign of weakness. And this is the part most people miss: If Gilbert's assessment is correct, being slightly off the absolute peak in February might be exactly where Remco Evenepoel needs to be for the rest of the season.
What do you think? Is Philippe Gilbert right to see Evenepoel's UAE Tour struggles as a positive sign for his season? Or should fans be concerned about his climbing performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
