Alberto Contador is weighing in on Remco Evenepoel\u2019s odds at beating Tadej Poga\u010dar at this year\u2019s Tour de France. The Spanish rider, who won the Grand Tour twice in his career, sees cause for optimisim amid limited opportunities in the Belgian\u2019s move to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe for 2026.<\/p>\n
Team move \u201cA good decision\u201d<\/p>\n
A renowned climber himself, Contador told Sporza that Evenepoel\u2019s move to Red Bull is the right one. Specifically, the move should help the world champion time trialist to develop his climbing abilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe team has the right people to help Remco improve on the long climbs,\u201d Contador says. \u201cWith Roglic, Lipowitz, Hindley, Vlasov\u2026 He\u2019s switched to a very good team that has everything going for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan he stay at his best every day in a Grand Tour with stages featuring two to three climbs?\u201d Contador thinks that is crucial, and a big question, in Evenepoel\u2019s Tour potential. \u201cWe\u2019ll see what Remco\u2019s level is as he continues to improve.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want to beat Poga\u010dar\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Even with a boost in climbing, Contador sees limited opportunities for Evenepoel, or anyone, to defeat the reigning Slovenian on the roads of France this July. The key for Red Bull will be, he says, creating a strategic advantage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have to play with their options,\u201d Contador says. \u201cRoglic can take risks, Remco and Lipowitz will stay on their wheel. But if they lose time, they can change tactics.\u201d<\/p>\n