Remco Evenepoel faces leadership clash and possible suspension ahead of Tour de France
Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel has intensified his preparation for the 2026 Tour de France, completing a 200‑km mountain workout that gained him over 5,000 metres of elevation. His Red Bull‑Bora‑Hansgrohe team officially names him the Tour leader, yet team manager Ralph Denk has warned that fellow rider Florian Lipowitz could overtake him if his form proves stronger, leaving the final hierarchy to be decided on the road.
The Belgian federation has warned that Evenepoel could be suspended for nine days if he skips the mandatory Belgian national road championships this weekend, a rule that would bar him from starting the Tour in Barcelona. The potential ban adds pressure to his already demanding schedule.
Ahead of the Tour, several national championships are taking place across Europe. The Dutch road race championship was moved to a morning slot in Nijmegen to accommodate television coverage, while the Dutch time‑trial championship will be held in Laren under forecast 34 °C heat. An overview of national championship results from the Netherlands, United States, Colombia, New Zealand, Australia and other countries was also published. Additionally, a preview of Tour sprint contenders highlights Belgian riders Tim Merlier, Jasper Philipsen, Olav Kooij, Biniam Girmay and others expected to dominate flat stages.
These developments set the stage for strategic battles both within teams and across national federations as the Tour de France approaches.