The Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (previously the Critérium du Dauphiné) is all the time a hotbed of latest tech. Recent bikes get launched into the wild for area testing earlier than the Tour de France.
This 12 months, this included the brand new Specialised Tarmac SL9, seen on the Crimson Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe camp. Whereas the bike was fascinating in its personal proper, nearer inspection of the photographs reveals a sticker below the downtube bearing the title ‘Remco Evenepoel’, showing to counsel the Belgian is to make a shock return to racing sooner than deliberate forward of the Tour de France.
Crimson Bull has but to launch a full workforce roster on the time of writing, one thing which most, if not all, different groups on the race have performed, so whereas this stays speculative, the indicators definitely level to the affirmative.
Newest Movies From
One other clue is that the chain on the bike is gold, which Evenepoel practically all the time makes use of because the Olympic champion.
Picture 1 of three
The gold chain is clue primary.(Picture credit score: Will Jones)
A reputation sticker hidden below the down tube could be very uncommon. (Picture credit score: Will Jones)
And that positively says ‘Remco Evenepoel’(Picture credit score: Will Jones)
At first of Might, it was reported that Enevepoel had axed the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes from his calendar, opting to not race in any respect for a full 69 days within the build-up to the Tour de France to deal with ‘particular coaching’.
Chances are you’ll like
If Evenepoel is to look on the race it’s going to definitely be sooner than deliberate, and whereas there could also be a want to get some racing within the legs it’s also value remembering that the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is the final race earlier than the Tour to characteristic a workforce time trial, maybe providing the Belgian specialist an irresistible last probability to tune this self-discipline up with a race quantity on earlier than the opening stage in Barcelona and a major alternative to put on the yellow jersey.
Ought to Evenepoel line up firstly on Sunday, it should definitely give pre-race favorite Paul Seixas trigger for concern, and will definitely imply he does not have the race all his personal manner. There may be each risk that if this can be a shock pre-Tour shakedown, Evenepoel can be flanked by a robust squad with a variety of firepower.
The newest race content material, interviews, options, opinions and knowledgeable shopping for guides, direct to your inbox!
Subscribe to Cyclingnews for limitless entry to our Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Tour de Suisse protection. Do not miss any of the breaking information, race evaluation, and knowledgeable perception because the riders make their last preparations for Le Tour. Plus, entry the Cyclingnews app to comply with the motion on the go! Be a part of at this time.
