In it’s quest to remain one of the top Under 23 programs in the world and one of the most consistent cultivators of World Tour talent, Hagens Berman Axeon is adding to its roster for the 2019 season with the signing of Belgian junior phenom, Remco Evenepoel.
With an unprecedented signing comes a virtually unprecedented talent. The seventeen-year-old former footballer (soccer player) for Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven has had a meteoric rise in the junior cycling ranks in just his first year racing. Palmares include winning both the 2017 UCI La Route des Géants and 2017 UCI La Philippe Gilbert Juniors, 2nd on GC and stage 3 winner at the 2017 Bizkaiko XXIII Itzulia (Tour of the Basque Country), as well as stage 2b winner at the 2017 Aubel - Thimister - Gleize.
While Remco Evenepoel is new to the cycling world, his family name is not. “I knew Remco’s father back when we raced against each other some 25 years ago,” said Axeon Team Director Axel Merckx. “Remco’s start in cycling is truly impressive. He was selected for world’s only a few months after riding a bike. I think his potential is tremendous.”
Evenepoel described his choice to join Axeon as an opportunity that he was not going to hesitate in taking. “When I spoke to Axel, I didn’t need to think about it twice,” remarked Evenepoel. “Joining Axeon is a big opportunity and an honor for me to be a part of the team, especially knowing that Axel and his father (Eddy Merckx), the greatest cyclist ever, believe in me.”
Evenepoel will continue to race for Forte Young Cycling team in 2017 and 2018 (with the support of Specialized bikes and helmets) before joining Hagens Berman Axeon in 2019.