'Start the countdown' – Remco Evenepoel ramps up Tour de France preparation with Sierra Nevada altitude training camp

Remco Evenepoel has commenced his focused preparation for the Tour de France with an altitude training camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain. The Belgian rider, who recently concluded a successful spring campaign highlighted by victory at the Amstel Gold Race and a podium finish at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, has chosen to forgo racing until the Tour begins in Barcelona on 4 July. Instead of competing in the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as initially planned, Evenepoel’s team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, confirmed that his build-up will centre on intensive training and route reconnaissance. The Sierra Nevada camp is a familiar setting for Evenepoel, who has utilised the high-altitude environment in previous seasons to enhance his conditioning ahead of major Grand Tours. Accompanied by teammates Gianni Vermeersch and Tim van Dijke, the trio has been tackling demanding climbs near Granada, including multiple ascents of the Puerto Blancares and a challenging ride up to the ski resort of Pradollano at 2,300 metres. These sessions are designed to sharpen Evenepoel’s climbing ability and endurance in preparation for the mountainous demands of the Tour. Evenepoel’s approach contrasts with those of other leading contenders, who are using competitive racing as part of their Tour preparation. Jonas Vingegaard is currently engaged in the Giro d’Italia as he pursues a rare Giro-Tour double, while French newcomer Paul Seixas will contest the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes as a key warm-up event. Meanwhile, defending champion Tadej Pogačar is gearing up for the Tour via the Tour de Suisse following his recent triumph at the Tour de Romandie, highlighting the varied strategies among top riders. As co-leader of Red Bull alongside Florian Lipowitz, Evenepoel’s altitude training camp signals a deliberate and measured approach to peaking for cycling’s most prestigious race. The absence of pre-Tour racing places greater emphasis on his training regimen and course reconnaissance, which could prove decisive in the high mountains and time trials of this year’s route. With the countdown to the Tour de France underway, all eyes will be on Evenepoel’s form as he seeks to challenge for the overall victory.