'It’s a belief without an end, Remco forever' – Evenepoel signs lifetime deal with Specialized

Remco Evenepoel has committed to a lifetime partnership with US bike manufacturer Specialized, marking an unprecedented move in professional cycling sponsorship. The 26-year-old Belgian, who has been riding Specialized bikes since his junior career, will continue to use their equipment throughout his racing tenure and beyond. This agreement solidifies his long-standing relationship with the brand, which has supported him through multiple world titles, a Vuelta a España victory, and Monument wins. Evenepoel recently transferred to Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe but maintained his preference for Specialized’s S-Works models, including the Tarmac SL8 for road races and the Shiv for time trials. This season alone, he has secured eight victories, notably winning the Amstel Gold Race, and is focusing on the Tour de France as his primary target. He also aims to reclaim victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, a race he has won twice before, demonstrating his ambition to continue excelling at the highest level. The lifetime deal is a rare commitment in the cycling world, with few riders having such enduring ties to a single brand. While riders like Peter Sagan and Demi Vollering have brought Specialized with them across teams, Evenepoel’s contract is described as a unique, lifelong bond. He emphasises the mutual trust and shared work ethic between himself and Specialized, highlighting how the partnership has been integral to his successes and setbacks alike. Mike Sinyard, founder and chairman of Specialized, praised Evenepoel as embodying the core values of the brand: hard work, integrity, and resilience. He sees the partnership as more than a sponsorship, describing it as a “belief without an end” that will push innovation and performance. This alliance not only reinforces Evenepoel’s status as a leading figure in cycling but also signals Specialized’s commitment to supporting elite athletes over the long term.