The cycling world is shocked by the explosive announcement from the International Cycling Union (UCI). Against all odds, it’s not favorite Tadej Pogačar, but Belgian prodigy Remco Evenpoel who’s been heavily penalized. The UCI has reopened its investigation into the 2025 World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, to restore fairness to the competition. After a meticulous review of results, biometric data, and samples, irregularities were discovered in Evenpoel’s performance in his third consecutive victory in the elite time trial. The verdict, made public shortly thereafter, left fans, pundits, and rivals alike divided: a retroactive disqualification, a minimum 12-month suspension, and the loss of the rainbow jersey.
Evenpoel dominated the hilly 40.6km course on September 21, finishing the event in 49:46 and even doubling Pogačar in an iconic moment on the final paved climb. His victory, hailed as history, seemed unstoppable, strengthening his status as a triple world and Olympic champion. But the UCI, alerted by anomalies in power profiles and persistent rumors of mechanical or pharmacological doping, launched an in-depth investigation. Internal sources revealed suspicious traces of EPO-like substances and GPS data inconsistent with pure human effort. This sanction eclipses Evenpoel’s recent triumphs, as he clinched his European title on October 1 in France, and casts a shadow over his impending move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026.
The cycling community is shocked. Panicked sponsors, Belgian mourning teams, and competitors like Pogačar—who won the race online with a 66km solo—are demanding more transparency. Social media is exploding with hashtags like #justiceptremco and conspiracy theories accusing the UCI of Slovenian favoritism. Sudal-Qusick-Step is crying foul and preparing to use the crowd, arguing for a political witch hunt.
Remco Evenpoel immediately reacted with a moving statement: “This decision is unjust and unfounded. I have always raced cleanly, with ferocity and sacrifice. I will fight to clear my name and prove my innocence. Cycling deserves better than destructive accusations! Anti-drug reforms.
