Evenepoel Sets the Pace as Roubaix Sparks Debate

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 17: Remco Evenepoel of Belgium and Team Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe competes during the 8th UAE Tour 2026, Stage 2 a 12.2km individual time trial stage from Hudayriyat Island to Hudayriyat Island / #UCIWT / on February 17, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

On this week’s SBS Cycling Podcast, the team unpacks a fast-moving start to the season, from standout performances at the UAE Tour to big questions around form, confidence, and tradition in world cycling.


This week’s SBS Cycling Podcast dives into a fast-moving start to the season, led by standout action at the UAE Tour. Remco Evenepoel steals the spotlight with a blistering time trial, signalling strong early form as he lines up future battles, including against Isaac Del Toro.

It's always nice to start off winning on a new team within a new environment to get that full backing

The hosts then turn to Jonas Vingegaard, whose rocky start and recent crash raise questions about his ambitions to win both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. The episode explores how early-season results can shape confidence and momentum heading into cycling’s biggest races.

Historically, the guys that have challenged the Tour de France, they've started the season really well

There’s also debate around changes to Paris Roubaix, alongside a look at women’s racing, highlighted by Demi Vollering’s win in Valencia as she builds toward the classics. Altogether, it’s a sharp snapshot of a peloton already full of form, pressure, and big storylines.


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