Before retiring to high altitude to prepare for major events, Remco Evenepoel wants to add a bit more to his impressive start of the season. After 6 victories spread between Mallorca and Valencia, the new captain of Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe raises the bar and aims to conquer the UAE Tour, which he already won in 2023.

"I have the ambition to win more WorldTour one-week races, and this was perfect to close this first block of races, before going to training camp and preparing upcoming events," said the Flemish rider. "I'm here to win the general classification, but I would also like to take the time trial and one of the mountain stages."

The test is certainly challenging, because there are two mountain finishes that he hadn't encountered last year. The competition will also be more fierce, starting with Isaac Del Toro, who if he picks up where he left off last year won't be easy to drop. But in general, the entire UAE Team Emirates-XRG will try to put him in difficulty, because for them, after the Tour de France, this is the most important race of the year.

"UAE has a strong block, not just with Del Toro," Remco explained further. "I believe he has a significant responsibility on his shoulders, I hope there will be a battle throughout the week. But generally, the competition is tough, there are strong climbers and the new climb will be the final judge. Jebel Mobrah reminds me a bit of the Angliru, more rideable in the first part and then, after a small descent, there are 6 or 7 really steep kilometers."

Those who expected a period of adjustment after joining Red Bull were quickly proven wrong, given that his impact with the new team has been quite devastating. "The adaptation with the new team has been easy, I've talked a lot with staff, teammates, etc., and so far everything has gone well. Starting the season with so many victories has certainly helped. Let's hope this is just the beginning."