The cycling world is buzzing with excitement as Remco Evenepoel, the new superstar of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, dominates the early season. But what about his teammates, the seasoned veterans and rising stars? Let's delve into the performances of Primož Roglič, Florian Lipowitz, and Jai Hindley, who share leadership roles in this powerhouse team.
Jai Hindley's Journey:
2026 marks a crucial contract year for Hindley, who's had a delayed start due to a common cold. Despite this setback, he aims to replicate his strong finish from the previous season, where he placed fourth in the Vuelta a España. Team manager Dempster wisely decided to postpone Hindley's season debut, allowing him to regain his Grand Tour form.
"Jai's had a minor setback with a cold, but we're confident he'll bounce back," Dempster shared. "Starting in Tirreno-Adriatico gives him the time he needs." Hindley's focus remains on the Giro d'Italia, where he aims to claim another pink jersey. But will he make it to the Tour de France to support Evenepoel? Only time will tell.
Florian Lipowitz's Rise:
Lipowitz's stunning third-place finish in his Tour de France debut secured his place as a cycling star and earned him a contract extension. He's already made an impact this season, racing alongside Evenepoel in Mallorca and contributing to the team's flawless team time trial victory at Trofeo Ses Salines.
"Lipo's in great shape and ready for the upcoming races," Dempster assured. Lipowitz's schedule includes the Volta ao Algarve and the Volta a Catalunya, where he'll co-lead with Evenepoel. His preparation for the Tour de France will take him to Switzerland and Slovenia, building on his impressive debut.
Primož Roglič's Olympic Break:
Roglič, a five-time Grand Tour winner, took a brief break from cycling to support his fellow Slovenian athletes at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. Now, he's back in action, set to start in Tirreno alongside Hindley. With a limited racing program ahead, he aims to make history at the Vuelta a España by claiming an unprecedented fifth overall victory.
"Primož is ready to go," Dempster confirmed. "His altitude training will set him up for a strong start in Tirreno." But will Roglič's Olympic detour impact his cycling performance? It's a question on everyone's mind.
The Rising Stars:
Giulio Pellizzari, in his second season with Red Bull, has already made a statement. He formed a powerful partnership with Evenepoel in the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, showcasing his talent and securing a third-place finish on GC. Dempster is thrilled with Pellizzari's progress, who is set to race in the Clásica Jaén, Strade Bianche, and Tirreno before gearing up for the Giro.
Dani Martínez, despite a dip in form last season, is determined to reclaim his former glory. He started the season positively, placing second at the Colombian National Championships time trial. However, a minor food poisoning setback delayed his European racing plans. Martínez is expected to make his comeback in the Figueres Classic and the Tour of Algarve, where he has a history of success.
Aleksandr Vlasov, once a top contender, is also looking to bounce back. He began the season on a high note, racing alongside Evenepoel and Pellizzari in Valenciana and finishing seventh overall. Dempster is optimistic about Vlasov's performance, especially after a challenging 2025.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how these co-leaders navigate their roles and support Evenepoel's rise. Will they thrive in the shadow of the new superstar, or will internal competition spark controversy? The cycling community eagerly awaits the drama and triumphs of the upcoming races. And remember, in the world of cycling, every rider's story is worth following!
