Since he was a junior, Remco Evenepoel has garnered much attention, and with it heightened expectations about his career. His first grand tour attempt at the 2021 Giro d’Italia was lackluster, ending in an abandonment, and murmurs about what kind of rider he actually was.
His second go around, at the 2022 Vuelta a España, was more fruitful. Much more. At 22 years old he leaves the Spanish grand tour as champion.
His Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team bike sponsor Specialized saw it fit that he roll across the final finish line in Madrid aboard a special red edition S-Works Tarmac SL7 to match his leader’s jersey.
Take a closer look at the special bike he raced on the race’s final stage Sunday.
Also read: Pro bike gallery: Keegan Swenson’s Santa Cruz Stigmata
Specialized’s paint department has been busy this year. The Vuelta bike is the second Tarmac painted up to celebrate a grand tour victory this year after a special pink edition for Jai Hindley’s Giro d’Italia win.
Roval got in on the red theme as well with decals for these Rapide CLX wheels.
The S-Works Tarmac is both aerodynamic and light enough to easily meet the UCI weight limit for bikes.
Specialized also created a red version of one of its 3D-printed Mirror saddles. Hopefully we will see color options available to the public sometime soon.
Red is quite bold, but also a familiar color for a Specialized.
Will we see Remco back at the Vuelta next year with the number-0ne race plate? Or will he take on the Giro or Tour instead? The speculation is already starting, and his own team boss has even weighed in.