Remco Evenepoel will line up at the 2025 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men in what will be one of his final races for Soudal Quick-Step, the team has confirmed. The Belgian star is set to race from 2nd to 7th September, starting in Woodbridge and finishing six stages later in Cardiff.
It will mark his second participation in the race, following last year’s edition where he struggled in unseasonably cold British conditions after training in the Spanish heat post-Olympics. “I really suffered from the cold,” he admitted at the time. “After spending a month in Spain with temperatures around forty degrees, finding myself here with ten degrees and rain was a real shock for the body.” He finished 28th overall in 2024, with a best result of fifth on stage 2 to Redcar.
A farewell in Soudal colours
There had been some uncertainty about whether Evenepoel would race again in Soudal Quick-Step colours, following the now-confirmed transfer to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for 2026. But his schedule will include both the World Championship time trial and road race in Rwanda later in September, where he aims to defend the ITT rainbow jersey and attempt to reclaim the road title.
The move to Red Bull had long been anticipated, described as the “worst kept secret in the peloton”, and has generated considerable anticipation within the German team’s camp. The team already boasts GC depth with Primož Roglič, Dani Martínez, Jai Hindley, and Florian Lipowitz, not to mention breakout Giro performer Giulio Pellizzari, who finished sixth in 2025.
Red Bull riders react to Evenepoel’s arrival
At the recent Tour de Pologne, the ripple effects of Evenepoel’s signing were being felt well before he even arrived. Finn Fisher-Black, speaking to reporters, said: “I’ve ridden with guys of that calibre in the past, like Tadej [Pogačar], and Remco is another of these aliens. I’m excited to have him on the team… it brings the spirit of the team up.”
Martínez, second at the 2024 Giro, added: “With Remco in the team, we’ll have a very strong squad all round. He’s a massively important rider and he’ll definitely bring a lot to the team.”
Photo Credit: GettyOne rider, many effects
The motivation he brings may be just as valuable as the wins. “When you have a winning environment, it changes the whole feeling in the team,” Fisher-Black said. He pointed to UAE Team Emirates-XRG’s depth in 2024, where 18 riders took victories despite or because of Pogačar’s presence. “It’s a very clear example,” he said. “Remco is one rider, but he can bring this feeling to the team that can make it get some more success in other places.”
Red Bull has taken 20 wins from 11 riders in 2025 so far. With Evenepoel on board, the aim is not just more victories but a cultural shift within the squad that lifts performance across the board.
British send-off in Cardiff
Back in Britain, the focus remains on Cardiff, where Evenepoel will share the spotlight with Geraint Thomas, who is set to retire after the race. The Welshman will be honoured on the final stage in his home city, adding another layer of significance to what is shaping up to be a memorable edition of the Tour of Britain.
