A bold statement from a former stage winner has sparked a debate about Remco Evenepoel's recent performance struggles at the UAE Tour.
Evenepoel, a rising star in the cycling world, left the UAE Tour with more questions than answers, but Adriano Malori, a former Vuelta a Espana champion, isn't buying the conventional explanations.
Evenepoel's journey at the UAE Tour was a rollercoaster. He dominated the time trial, but then faced significant setbacks on the mountain stages. He attributed his struggles to fatigue and recovery issues, but Malori isn't convinced.
"It's simply not possible for a rider who dominated the week before to suddenly get dropped like the last rider in class," Malori told Bici.Pro. This statement has sparked a heated discussion among cycling enthusiasts.
Evenepoel's recent performances in Spain showcased his authority and ease, making his sudden isolation and distance in the UAE all the more puzzling. Malori believes there's more to the story than meets the eye.
"To me, it seemed like Evenepoel went to the UAE to test his time trial skills, and the rest of the race wasn't his primary focus," Malori suggested. This interpretation adds a layer of complexity to Evenepoel's performance.
The time trial itself becomes a key focus for Malori. Evenepoel's choice to ride with a 68-tooth single chainring, a bold move even in today's fast-paced cycling era, has raised eyebrows. While Evenepoel suggested it may have contributed to his mountain struggles, Malori disagrees.
"It was an extremely fast course, and Evenepoel has made significant changes this year, from his preparation to his equipment. Testing this gear in competition is crucial to understand its nuances," Malori explained. He believes this was a calculated rehearsal, not an indulgent experiment.
Malori further dismisses the idea that such a gear choice would cause lasting damage in modern stage racing. "There's no disadvantage. The distances are shorter, cadence is higher, and the problem simply doesn't exist anymore," he asserted.
Malori's observation about the terrain is also intriguing. "Jebel Hafeet is longer and harder, but it's not Alpe d'Huez. Evenepoel's climbing style has always been about steady-state climbing, and Hafeet should suit him. Unless the broader objective was elsewhere," he added.
This interpretation suggests that Evenepoel's focus was primarily on the time trial, and the GC was not his primary concern during the UAE Tour.
Malori also questioned Evenepoel's early-season structure, noting that his schedule seemed more aligned with a rider targeting the Classics, like Van Aert, rather than a GC contender. He even suggested that Evenepoel wasn't yet in his leanest racing condition, implying that February was more about building endurance than showcasing peak performance.
Evenepoel's openness about his setbacks has divided opinions. While some appreciate his transparency, others question the narrative of collapse. Malori's perspective suggests that Evenepoel's performance was more about testing and preparation for bigger goals, and the UAE Tour was a controlled checkpoint in a longer preparation journey.
Whether this interpretation holds true will become clearer as the season progresses, but for Malori, the idea of Evenepoel suddenly "losing his level" is the least convincing explanation.
What do you think? Is Malori's interpretation a bold insight or a controversial take? Share your thoughts in the comments!
