<\/p>\n
The ambition, however, remains unchanged.<\/p>\n
A flying Spanish start<\/p>\n
Evenepoel could hardly have asked for a better opening block. Three consecutive victories at the Challenge Mallorca were followed by overall victory at the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, where he also won two stages, including the individual time trial.<\/p>\n
By mid-February, he had already collected six individual wins.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, of course, I\u2019m happy in the team, it has been a very good start. A total of six victories and I\u2019m happy about that,\u201d he said. \u201cIn general, I think it\u2019s a new feeling with the teammates and the staff members. For the moment, I\u2019m happy, and we have to maintain good progression together.\u201d<\/p>\n
The early signs suggested that the move away from Soudal Quick-Step had not disrupted his trajectory. If anything, it appeared to have sharpened it.<\/p>\n
UAE Tour: a reminder of the mountain gap<\/p>\n
The UAE Tour, however, provided a sterner examination. Evenepoel won the stage 2 time trial on Hudayriyat Island but struggled to match the pure climbers later in the week, ultimately finishing 10th overall.<\/p>\n
He did not attempt to dress it up. \u201cNo, of course. I think I came back here with the intention of winning the race. In that sense, I think I\u2019m a bit disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHappy with my performance in the time trial, but of course, the climbs were not great for me throughout the week,” he assesses. “Now it\u2019s time to take a small break and then do good preparation for the next races.\u201d<\/p>\n
The disappointment was measured rather than dramatic. A stage win and valuable race intensity still provided building blocks, but the mountains remain the area where improvement is required if he is to challenge cycling\u2019s dominant force.<\/p>\n