Imagine a cycling race where a team’s strategy not only baffles fans but also raises serious questions about their decision-making. That’s exactly what happened during Stage 3 of the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, and Chris Horner didn’t hold back in calling out what he saw as ‘catastrophic tactics’ from the Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe team. But here’s where it gets controversial: while American teenager Andrew August stole the show with a stunning breakaway victory, Horner argues that the real story was the questionable race management of Remco Evenepoel’s squad. Could this be a case of talent outshining strategy? Let’s dive in.
On his podcast, Horner didn’t mince words. While he acknowledges Evenepoel as a ‘first-page rider’—a title reserved for cycling’s elite—he slammed the team’s approach as reckless and energy-draining. ‘They’re taking unnecessary risks,’ Horner said, pointing out that the team’s aggression on what should have been a straightforward transition stage made little sense, especially with the demanding queen stage looming the next day. And this is the part most people miss: Horner believes this isn’t just a one-off mistake but a pattern of poor decision-making.
Before diving into the criticism, Horner took a moment to applaud August’s victory. The INEOS rider’s flawless final kilometer left sprinters and GC favorites in the dust. ‘He’s a young pro with massive potential,’ Horner noted, adding with a wink, ‘He might just upset a few fans sitting comfortably at home, but trust me, he’s one to watch.’
The Controversial Moves
What really caught Horner’s attention—and ire—was a bizarre sequence where Aleksandr Vlasov launched an attack, followed shortly by Evenepoel himself. ‘This is a knucklehead move,’ Horner declared. ‘Why attack when your teammates are already exhausted? It’s like shooting yourself in the foot.’ He argued that with only four riders left, the team should have conserved energy and let sprinter teams take the lead. But instead, they pressed on, leaving Horner shaking his head.
Talent vs. Team Strategy
Despite his sharp critique, Horner made it clear that Evenepoel’s talent is undeniable. He ranks the Belgian star alongside giants like Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogacar, and Primoz Roglic. ‘He’s a wunderkind, no doubt,’ Horner said. But he questions whether the team’s leadership is doing Evenepoel justice. ‘The transition from Soudal Quick-Step to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe hasn’t brought a change in tactics,’ Horner observed. ‘It’s like they’re still racing the same way, and that’s a problem.’
The Bigger Picture
While Evenepoel’s solo win on Stage 4 likely secured the general classification, Horner warns that this kind of energy expenditure on transition stages could backfire against powerhouse teams like UAE Team Emirates. ‘This wasn’t Remco’s stage to attack,’ Horner concluded. ‘Someone in that team bus made a critical error.’
Food for Thought
Here’s where you come in: Do you think Horner’s criticism is fair, or is he being too hard on Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe? Could their aggressive tactics pay off in the long run, or are they setting themselves up for failure? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
