Here’s a bold claim: Remco Evenepoel might just be the greatest time trialist the world has ever seen. But here’s where it gets controversial—despite his three consecutive world titles, Olympic gold, and a string of dominant performances, Red Bull’s performance mastermind, Dan Bigham, believes Evenepoel’s ceiling is far from reached. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about proving his speed anymore; it’s about redefining what’s possible.
Evenepoel doesn’t enter the 2026 UAE Tour stage 2 time trial needing to silence doubters. His track record speaks for itself. Yet, within the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe team, there’s a quiet confidence that he can still evolve. This belief comes from Bigham, the head of performance engineering, whose behind-the-scenes influence is reshaping the team’s approach. In a recent interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Bigham didn’t hold back: ‘For me, Remco is the best time triallist in the world, probably even of all time.’
But here’s the twist: dominance isn’t the endgame. Bigham’s philosophy is rooted in continuous refinement, not radical change. ‘If you always keep doing the same things, you’ll just keep pedaling on the spot,’ he explains. Red Bull’s strategy focuses on efficiency—tweaking aerodynamics, gearing, tire choice, and pacing to make Evenepoel faster without demanding more effort. For a rider already at the pinnacle, this approach is game-changing.
What makes Evenepoel a perfect fit for this process? His mindset. Bigham praises the Belgian’s openness to innovation, even if it means stepping out of his comfort zone. ‘He’s always willing to try new things,’ Bigham notes. Take gearing, for example. Evenepoel was initially skeptical, but trust in data over instinct has been transformative. ‘People think you need confidence to ride such a big gear, but that’s nonsense,’ Bigham says. ‘You just have to trust the science.’
Small changes are yielding meaningful gains. Red Bull’s simulation tools, borrowed from Formula 1, have refined Evenepoel’s clothing and drivetrain setup. The goal? Efficiency over spectacle—straighter chain lines, reduced drivetrain losses, and pinpoint pacing for high-speed efforts. Bigham is also quick to highlight Evenepoel’s unique physical profile: ‘I don’t know anyone in the peloton who is as aerodynamic as he is.’
Here’s the bigger picture: Evenepoel’s UAE Tour time trial isn’t just about reclaiming seconds lost to Isaac del Toro in stage 1. It’s a stepping stone in a meticulously planned season aimed at long-term dominance. Bigham’s parting words are telling: ‘Always. That’s the name of the game,’ he says when asked if further improvements are possible. For a rider already at the top, this relentless pursuit of progress is what sets him apart.
As the stopwatch starts in the UAE, it’s not just Evenepoel’s speed that’s under the microscope—it’s his mindset. And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a sport where being the best is never enough, how much further can Evenepoel push the boundaries? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
