Remco Evenepoel (Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe) has criticised the UCI’s handling of race vehicles around the peloton, using a television appearance to reject suggestions that he benefited from motorbike drafting during his Trofeo Andratx-Pollença victory.
Speaking on Eurosport's Bistrot Vélo on February 2, the double Olympic champion argued that race vehicles were intrusive during his winning attack on January 31, forcing him to brake in technical sections rather than providing an aerodynamic advantage.
Evenepoel described a congested environment on the climb, with a lead motorbike positioned metres ahead and another sitting between him and closest pursuer Mathys Rondel (Tudor Pro Cycling). "It felt as if we were four to form the breakaway," he said, referring to himself, Rondel and the two motor vehicles.
The Belgian contended that the lead motorbike disrupted his descent line at the entry of a critical corner, which he argued countered claims that vehicle proximity aided his performance.
However, Evenepoel extended his criticism beyond the immediate controversy, accusing the UCI of allowing excessive vehicle access to race courses.
"It’s not only happening in races here in Mallorca – it also happens in the Tour de France," Evenepoel said.
"At Il Lombardia, there were motorbikes stopped right in front of me."
He highlighted a separate incident from the same race involving a Movistar rider. Evenepoel claimed he was forced to descend at 80 km/h to close a gap on the rider, who was allegedly utilising a motorbike's slipstream. "I had to produce 450 to 500 watts, while he was barely pedalling." He said the situation made him angry.
“It feels like the cameras get bigger every year… and the motorbikes get closer and closer,” Evenepoel said.
“There are motorbikes for television, motorbikes for photographers, and I don’t know how many more motorbikes doing who knows what.”
"The UCI doesn't always make the right decisions," Evenepoel added, calling for stricter limits on the number of vehicles granted access to races.
Similar issues have previously arisen in professional cycling in relation to live broadcast coverage, race logistics and rider safety. Teams and riders have raised concerns about vehicle interference influencing race outcomes or creating hazardous conditions on narrow roads.
Cover image credit: Maximilian Fries / Red Bull Content Pool
