The only opportunity for the Belgian player to complete a long lap in 2025 is if the UAE releases the schedule of their leaders…Read more

For Belgian cyclist Remco Evenepoel, a clear opportunity to complete a long lap in 2025 hinges on the UAE Team Emirates’ scheduling decisions, especially regarding their leaders. As he sets his sights on Grand Tour success, Evenepoel must carefully plan his race calendar, and much of that planning depends on the moves of powerhouse teams like UAE Team Emirates. In particular, Tadej Pogačar and João Almeida’s leadership roles within UAE will play a central role in shaping the dynamics of next year’s major races.

The UAE Team Emirates has historically held a flexible yet strategic approach to race assignments, often coordinating closely with their roster to maximize their competitive edge. However, with Pogačar’s continued dominance in the Tour de France and other top events, Evenepoel’s window for a focused attack on a long lap narrows. Pogačar, who is a favorite to win both single-day classics and stage races, will likely center his 2025 schedule around the Tour de France and other high-profile Grand Tours. This could provide Evenepoel a chance to tackle other major events, like the Giro d’Italia or Vuelta a España, with fewer confrontations against UAE’s leading men.

Evenepoel’s team, Soudal-Quick Step, will need to be highly adaptable and build a supporting cast capable of matching UAE’s depth. Without a well-rounded team behind him, Evenepoel risks losing crucial support in mountains, time trials, and technical stages where UAE’s collective strength is unmatched. The Belgian phenom is known for his attacking style and versatility, but success in a long lap requires not just talent but also strategic race management, which is difficult when competing against rivals from strong, tactically organized teams.

If UAE Team Emirates clearly defines their leaders’ race commitments early, Evenepoel’s camp can adapt their focus, allowing him to identify and prioritize an appropriate Grand Tour for 2025. Yet, as cycling fans know, Grand Tour schedules can be unpredictable, and UAE’s plans may not align with Evenepoel’s ambitions. Ultimately, the Belgian star’s journey to completing a long lap could depend heavily on how UAE orchestrates its leadership roles across the season’s major events.