The cycling world has been thrown into chaos after Patrick Evenepoel, father of world champion Remco, dropped a stunning statement that sent shockwaves through Europe. In an interview with Sporza, Patrick boldly declared: “Pogačar will abandon the Tour to face my son at the Giro and Vuelta.”
Within hours, his words spread like wildfire. Fans flooded social media with speculation, creating a storm of debate between Pogačar loyalists and the fiercely devoted Belgian supporters of Remco Evenepoel. The phrase “Tour betrayal” began trending worldwide.
Pogačar, known for his calm demeanor, remained mysteriously silent. No statement, no reaction — only a brief sighting of him leaving a training session in Monaco, his expression unreadable. Silence, it seemed, was his most powerful weapon yet.
Cycling journalists immediately questioned the timing of Patrick’s remark. With the Tour de France 2026 only months away, the idea of Pogačar skipping the race felt unthinkable — almost sacrilegious to fans of the Grand Boucle.
But insiders whispered that Patrick’s statement might not be mere provocation. A source close to UAE Team Emirates claimed that internal discussions had indeed taken place about shifting Pogačar’s focus toward a Giro-Vuelta double — a challenge not conquered since Alberto Contador’s era.
The revelation sent Slovenia into collective disbelief. Local media described the country as “on edge,” torn between pride and confusion. Pogačar’s fans filled Ljubljana’s central square with banners reading, “Tour or nothing.” Others argued that chasing multiple Grand Tours would cement his immortality.
Meanwhile, Remco Evenepoel’s camp reacted with fierce energy. Patrick, visibly confident, doubled down in a follow-up interview: “Tadej’s domination is temporary. Giro and Vuelta will be decided by Remco — the future king of cycling.” His tone was sharp, almost prophetic.
The comment ignited a diplomatic storm between the two fan bases. Belgian media hailed Patrick’s boldness as “psychological warfare,” while Slovenian outlets accused him of “undermining the spirit of fair competition.” The rivalry, once professional, had turned personal.
Team UAE reportedly held an emergency meeting, with sports director Mauro Gianetti refusing to comment but confirming that “strategic planning” for the next season was underway. Meanwhile, Pogačar’s longtime coach hinted that “something historic” was in preparation.
On social media, Remco posted a cryptic message that fanned the flames further: “Sometimes, destiny isn’t written on French roads.” Fans interpreted it as a direct jab at the Tour de France and a teaser for the anticipated Giro-Vuelta showdown.
Cycling analysts began dissecting the deeper implications. If Pogačar indeed skips the Tour, it could reshape the entire Grand Tour calendar — altering sponsorships, broadcast deals, and even the race’s cultural identity. The UCI reportedly convened a private call to discuss potential consequences.
Amid the chaos, a former teammate of Pogačar revealed that he has been struggling with mental and physical fatigue after years of relentless dominance. “He’s been carrying the weight of expectation for too long,” the source admitted. “Maybe it’s time he rewrites the rules.”
Still, others dismissed Patrick’s statement as a publicity stunt designed to unsettle rivals before the 2026 season begins. But as hours turned into days, the silence from Pogačar’s camp became deafening.
Finally, late Sunday night, a single message appeared on Tadej’s official account: “Not every mountain needs to be climbed twice.” The cryptic post broke the internet — no one knew if it was a confirmation, a denial, or a warning.
What is certain is that cycling’s greatest duel may soon leave the Tour behind and unfold across new, uncharted peaks. And if Patrick Evenepoel’s “prophecy” proves true, the sport is about to witness a clash so monumental that history itself might struggle to contain it.
