Get ready to be blown away because Remco Evenepoel just proved why he’s the undisputed king of the clock in a jaw-dropping display at the UAE Tour. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is his dominance in time trials a testament to sheer talent, or does his choice of equipment, like the monstrous 68-tooth chainring, give him an unfair edge? Let’s dive in.
On Tuesday, Evenepoel didn’t just win—he dominated the 12.2km individual time trial, clocking a mind-boggling 13:03 at an average speed of 56.1 km/h, the fastest of his career. This victory wasn’t just about speed; it was a strategic masterclass. By starting early as the fifth rider, he cleverly avoided the worsening wind conditions, a move that paid off handsomely. His performance was so commanding that he dethroned overnight leader Isaac del Toro, opening a 32-second gap and seizing the race lead.
And this is the part most people miss: Evenepoel’s win wasn’t just about raw power. It was about precision, strategy, and an uncanny ability to read the race. As he put it, ‘The course was completely flat, not super technical, so it was the perfect course to try and ride that fast.’ But let’s not forget the elephant in the room—that 68-tooth chainring. Is it a game-changer or just another tool in his arsenal? Weigh in below.
This victory marks Evenepoel’s seventh win of 2026 and his 24th career individual time trial victory. More impressively, he’s now won four time trials in a row, cementing his status as the discipline’s undisputed master. Since the 2024 Critérium du Dauphiné, he’s been nearly unstoppable in time trials, with only a couple of exceptions, like the climbing time trial at the Tour de France.
But the real test is yet to come. On Wednesday, the peloton faces the brutal Jebel Mobrah climb—13.2km at an average gradient of 8.1%, coupled with scorching heat and wind. This will be Evenepoel’s toughest challenge so far this season, and it’s anyone’s guess how he’ll fare. ‘It’s more comfortable to defend than to attack,’ he said, hinting at his strategy. But can he hold off the likes of del Toro, who’s now 32 seconds behind and hungry for redemption?
Here’s the burning question: Can Evenepoel’s fairytale season debut survive the Jebel Mobrah climb, or will the mountain humble the Belgian aero bullet? And what role will that 68-tooth chainring play in the GC battle? Share your thoughts—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
