‘An alien like Tadej Pogačar might be able to do it’ – Red Bull boss Denk would prefer Remco Evenepoel doesn’t do Giro d’Italia-Tour de France double in 2027.

Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team manager Ralph Denk has expressed reservations about Remco Evenepoel competing in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in 2027, suggesting the Belgian would be better off concentrating on one Grand Tour.

Evenepoel had left open the possibility of returning to the Giro before competing at Il Lombardia, although he stressed that this did not mean he had committed to taking part. His last appearance at the Italian race came in 2023, when he was forced to abandon after testing positive for COVID-19 despite having taken the overall lead.

However, the recently unveiled route for the 2027 Tour de France could make a return to cycling’s biggest race his priority. The course features two individual time trials and approximately 71 kilometres against the clock, the highest total since 2012. That layout could suit Evenepoel particularly well, given his time-trialling ability and second-place finish behind Tadej Pogačar in the 2026 edition.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper ‘Het Laatste Nieuws’ during the Tour route presentation in Paris, Denk admitted that it was too early to make a final decision but made clear that he was not enthusiastic about the prospect of his rider attempting both races.

 

“An alien like Tadej Pogačar might be able to do it,” Denk said, before questioning whether the demanding schedule would be advisable for Evenepoel.

Asked whether he considered the Belgian capable of matching Pogačar’s ability to tackle both Grand Tours, Denk pointed to previous examples of riders experimenting with the double without achieving the desired results. He believes focusing on one race would be the more sensible approach, while acknowledging that he is not a sports scientist qualified to make a definitive assessment.

Denk also emphasised that Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe has several potential leaders for its Grand Tour campaigns. Alongside Evenepoel, the team can rely on Florian Lipowitz and Jai Hindley, while young talents Giulio Pellizzari and Lorenzo Finn are continuing to develop. This depth gives the team flexibility when deciding its objectives for the coming season.

Although details of the 2027 Giro route remain limited, reports suggest it could feature two individual time trials, including a mountain time trial from Sulmona to Campo di Giove. The race is also expected to offer a tougher climbing challenge than the Tour, which has only three summit finishes.

The Giro d’Italia route will be presented on November 3, while Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is expected to confirm Evenepoel’s 2027 programme on December 11.

For now, another Tour de France campaign appears the most likely option for the Belgian, particularly given the time-trial-heavy route and his ambition to challenge Pogačar for the yellow jersey. A return to the Giro may therefore have to wait another year.