Could a flat 40km time trial be the deciding factor that lures Remco Evenepoel to the 2026 Giro d'Italia? It's a question that's got the cycling world buzzing, especially after Het Laatste Nieuws revealed over the weekend that next May's race will feature a 40km time trial on predominantly flat terrain. This detail alone could significantly tip the scales in favor of Evenepoel's participation, given his prowess as the reigning World Time Trial Champion. But here's where it gets controversial: while Evenepoel's fans are eagerly speculating, his first Grand Tour with the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe squad remains shrouded in mystery, with a decision not expected until December. Is this flat time trial enough to sway his choice, or will other factors come into play?
The inclusion of such a long, flat time trial in a Grand Tour is rare—the last one was in 2024 during the Giro d'Italia in Perugia, a 40.6km stage that ended with a modest uphill climb and was won by Tadej Pogačar. However, the last time the Giro featured a flat or rolling time trial exceeding 40km without a final climb was all the way back in 2016. That 40.5km stage marked a historic moment: Primož Roglič, Evenepoel's future teammate, secured his first-ever Grand Tour stage win, narrowly edging out Tom Dumoulin after a thrilling opening race against the clock. Could history repeat itself in 2026, with Evenepoel dominating a similar stage?
And this is the part most people miss: the 2026 Giro isn't just about the time trial. The third week is rumored to include grueling stages in the Dolomites, such as the ascent of the Passo Giau on stage 19 and Piancavallo on stage 20—a climb last conquered by Tao Geoghegan Hart in the 2020 Giro. The race is expected to conclude in Rome on May 31, mirroring the 2024 finale. But with such a mix of flat and mountainous stages, is the 2026 Giro tailor-made for Evenepoel's versatile skill set, or will it prove to be a double-edged sword?
As the cycling community eagerly awaits Evenepoel's decision, one thing is clear: the 2026 Giro d'Italia is shaping up to be a race for the ages. What do you think? Will Evenepoel take the bait, or will he set his sights on other challenges? Let us know in the comments!
