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#RemcoEvenepoel #TourDeFrance2027 #TimeTrialKing #Pogačar #YellowJersey #EvenepoelWin #CyclingElite #BoraHansgrohe #Race2027 #TimeTrialMaster
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Remco Evenepoel finished third in the 2024 Tour de France and second in 2026, trailing Tadej Pogačar by 6:26. However, three key factors could narrow that gap by 2027: Pogačar’s crash at the Vuelta a España, an age advantage for Evenepoel, and a route heavily weighted toward time trials.
Pogačar suffered a concussion and fractures to his neck and shoulder at the Vuelta, forcing him to abandon the defense of his world and European titles. Race director Christian Prudhomme suggested the injury may have long-term effects. At 28, Pogačar may soon plateau in performance; Evenepoel is 26 and expected to improve physically and tactically. Most significantly, the 2027 Tour will feature 71km of individual time trial action—double this year’s 26.1km and the most since 2012—with only three summit finishes. This structure plays directly to Evenepoel’s dominant strengths.
Evenepoel had a flawless TT season, winning all five he entered, including the Tour, world and European championships, and the Chrono des Nations, where he finished 2:11 ahead of Jay Vine. His team, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, is optimistic. Directeur sportif Zak Dempster highlighted the two TTs as opportunities to “make an early statement” and gain the yellow jersey early, while CEO Ralph Denk called Evenepoel “the best time triallist at the moment.”
Cycling analyst Jan Bakelandts predicts Evenepoel could gain up to two minutes on Pogačar across the two TTs if he repeats his world championship form. Since Pogačar only surrendered 28 seconds over 26.1km this year (~1s per kilometer), a similar performance next July would cost him just over a minute—potentially not enough. Five-time Tour winner Bernard Hinault is more skeptical, arguing the route remains too hard for Evenepoel generally and that his steady climbing style doesn’t tolerate sharp uphill attacks. Hinault believes Evenepoel could win stages, especially the TTs, but not the general classification.
Still, Hinault admits surprises are possible, and Evenepoel himself must believe he can win. With a more TT-friendly route, his peak form, and Pogačar’s uncertain recovery, Evenepoel has his best yet chance at the yellow jersey—though Pogačar remains the clear favorite.
