Can Remco Evenepoel Close the Gap on Tadej Pogačar at La Redoute?

Can Remco Evenepoel Close the Gap on Tadej Pogačar at La Redoute? We break down their rivalry, La Redoute’s key test and what it means for Liège and the Tour de France.

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Can Remco Evenepoel Close the Gap on Tadej Pogačar? Why La Redoute Will Be the Ultimate Test

Cycling fans are buzzing with one big question this season: Can Remco Evenepoel close the gap on Tadej Pogačar? For years, Tadej Pogačar has looked almost unbeatable, gliding up climbs with a mix of power, rhythm, and tactical intelligence that few riders can match. Meanwhile, Remco Evenepoel has steadily grown from a prodigy into one of the most complete cyclists in the world.

Now, everything seems to be pointing toward one decisive moment: the climb of La Redoute in Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Many experts believe this will be the first real battlefield where we will see whether Evenepoel is truly ready to challenge Pogačar at his very best.

But to understand why this climb matters so much, we need to look deeper — at their rivalry, their strengths, their training, and what this season could mean for the future of professional cycling.

A Rivalry Still Waiting to Explode

If you look at recent cycling history, you would expect Evenepoel vs. Pogačar to already be one of the sport’s great rivalries. Surprisingly, they have rarely faced each other head-to-head at full strength in the biggest races.

Both riders have dominated Liège–Bastogne–Liège, also known as “La Doyenne,” winning the last five editions between them. Yet, fate has always kept them apart — one injured, the other peaking elsewhere, or racing different programs.

That is why this year feels different.

For the first time, both riders are arriving fresh, motivated, and clearly targeting the same key races. As a result, fans are expecting fireworks rather than polite respect.

Why La Redoute Is So Important

The climb of La Redoute is not just another hill. It is a legendary ramp that can break races apart. Steep, punchy, and brutally consistent, it takes roughly five minutes of maximum effort.

Evenepoel himself has said this is exactly the kind of terrain where Pogačar shines the most.

He explained on Eurosport’s “Bistrot Vélo” that:

“La Redoute is five minutes of pure intensity. And that is exactly where Pogačar usually makes the biggest difference.”

In other words, if Evenepoel can stay glued to Pogačar’s wheel on this climb, it would be a psychological victory — even before the finish line.

But if he gets dropped, it will confirm what many fear: that Pogačar still has another gear that others simply do not.

You can read more about the history of La Redoute here:

Evenepoel’s New Team and Smarter Strategy

This winter, Evenepoel made a big career move by switching teams. Instead of jumping straight into a super aggressive schedule including both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, his new team convinced him to take a more measured approach.

Originally, Evenepoel saw the Giro as the perfect warm-up for the Tour, especially because of the long flat time trial in stage 10. But after discussions with his coaches and performance analysts, they decided to go “classic” instead.

This means:

Focusing on preparation races
Avoiding burnout
Studying his data carefully
Fine-tuning altitude training
Listening to his body

This change shows maturity. Instead of chasing every opportunity, he is thinking like a long-term Tour de France winner.

More on the Giro here

And the Tour here

A Winning Mentality: “I Start Every Race to Win”

One thing that stands out about Evenepoel is his confidence.

He does not enter races just to “test himself” — he enters to win. Whether it is a small stage race or a monument like Liège, his mindset is clear: victory is the goal.

That kind of attitude matters when you are trying to challenge someone like Pogačar. Doubt can be deadly in cycling. Belief can be powerful.

What Evenepoel Learned From Racing Pogačar

At last year’s European Championships, Evenepoel got a taste of what it truly feels like to race Pogačar at peak form.

He admitted that he could follow Pogačar initially — but only for a short time.

Then came the problem:
Evenepoel needed 20–30 seconds to recover after the surge, while Pogačar could keep the pressure high without slowing down.

That difference — small on paper, massive on the road — is what Evenepoel is now working on in training.

His focus this season is clear:

Improve high-intensity efforts
Reduce recovery time
Stay strong after repeated attacks
Build explosive climbing power

If he succeeds, he could move from “challenger” to “equal.”

Step-by-Step: How Evenepoel Can Actually Beat Pogačar

Here is a simple, realistic plan Evenepoel could follow:

Step 1 — Survive La Redoute

Stay with Pogačar instead of being dropped.

Step 2 — Force a Long Race

Make the race hard early so Pogačar cannot wait and attack late.

Step 3 — Use His Team

Let teammates launch attacks so Pogačar cannot relax.

Step 4 — Save Energy for the Final

Avoid unnecessary moves before the decisive moments.

Step 5 — Attack When Pogačar Hesitates

If Pogačar shows even a hint of weakness, Evenepoel must go all-in.

If Evenepoel executes this perfectly, he has a real chance.

From Classics to the Tour de France

After the Spring Classics, Evenepoel’s main target becomes the Tour de France.

He has already won the Vuelta a España, proving he can win a Grand Tour. In the 2023 Giro d’Italia, he was leading the race before crashing and withdrawing — showing he clearly had the legs to fight for overall victory.

These results suggest one thing: Evenepoel has the potential to win the Tour one day.

More on the Vuelta here:

An Anecdote That Shows His Character

There is a famous story from Evenepoel’s early career. When he was just a teenager, a veteran rider told him:
“You are talented, but you are too impatient.”

Years later, that same rider watched Evenepoel calmly pace himself in a major race and said:
“You are still fast — but now you are wise.”

That evolution — from explosive talent to thoughtful champion — is exactly what makes this season so exciting.

Is Pogačar Still the Favorite?

Let’s be honest: Tadej Pogačar is still the man to beat.

His combination of climbing, sprinting, and race intelligence makes him incredibly hard to outmaneuver. His ability to attack multiple times without fading is what separates him from almost everyone else.

More about Pogačar here:

However, Evenepoel is closer than ever before. This is not the same rider who struggled to keep up two years ago. He is stronger, smarter, and more confident.

What Fans Should Expect This Season

If everything goes according to plan, this year could deliver:

A thrilling battle on La Redoute
A dramatic showdown in Liège–Bastogne–Liège
A tense duel at the Tour de France
Possibly the birth of a new cycling rivalry

Evenepoel does not need to beat Pogačar in every race. He just needs to show that he belongs at the same level.

Can Evenepoel Close the Gap?

The short answer: Yes — but it will not be easy.

The longer answer: La Redoute will give us the clearest sign yet. If Evenepoel can match Pogačar there, the cycling world will have a true two-man rivalry. If not, Pogačar will remain firmly on top.

Either way, one thing is certain: this season is shaping up to be unforgettable.

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