"Patrick Lefevere suggests that Remco Evenepoel could consider joining Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe if it means an increase in earnings for him by a few million"
Cyclingnews is set to cover all the transfers for the 2026 season in both men's and women's pelotons, providing news, analysis, and an updated transfer index to ensure readers don't miss any transfer news this season.
In a major move, Remco Evenepoel will be leaving Soudal-QuickStep at the end of the 2025 season to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for the 2026 season. This transfer involves the early termination of Evenepoel’s contract with Soudal-QuickStep, which was originally set to run through the end of 2026.
Evenepoel's representatives informed Soudal-QuickStep that he did not wish to extend his contract, prompting the team’s management and sponsors to agree on an early release. Although the exact compensation figures have not been publicly disclosed, the transfer will require Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe to pay a minimum compensation to Soudal-QuickStep as per UCI regulations governing premature contract termination. The UCI Arbitral Board will review the matter formally.
For Soudal-QuickStep, the team emphasized its collective team spirit known as the "Wolfpack" and stated confidence in continuing to deliver strong results as a group rather than relying on a single rider. They acknowledged their loss but remain committed to sustaining high performance with their sponsors and partners going forward.
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, on the other hand, hailed Evenepoel’s signing as a major step in shaping cycling’s future. They view him as a marquee rider who combines exceptional athletic talent and leadership. His arrival strengthens an already powerful leadership core including Primož Roglič and Florian Lipowitz, positioning the team as a superteam aiming for dominance in WorldTour racing.
Soudal-QuickStep is rebuilding its Classics squad after losing Evenepoel. They have brought in Jasper Styven and Dylan van Baarle to help develop young talents like Paul Magnier. The team, known for developing riders through their Klein Constantia development team, including Julian Alaphilippe, Enric Mas, and Max Schachmann, will continue to focus on nurturing young talent.
Patrick Lefevere, who was the Soudal team manager until December 2024, wrote that he has no hard feelings about Evenepoel's departure. He admitted that Evenepoel is right to "earn few million more somewhere" due to budget constraints at Soudal-QuickStep. Lefevere's relationship with Evenepoel became strained over time but recently reconciled.
Evenepoel's father and agent, Patrick Evenepoel, replied to Lefevere's initial message about Evenepoel's transfer with "Thkx for all Boss ! We know, what we know...". Lefevere shared his thoughts about Evenepoel’s departure in a column for Flemish newspaper Nieuwsblad.
Soudal-QuickStep's strategy of training riders internally is more cost-effective compared to signing established riders. However, it is unlikely that they will train a rider who will end up on the final podium of the Tour de France.
This transfer marks a significant shift for both teams and for Evenepoel’s career trajectory, especially concerning his ambitions possibly linked to the Tour de France with his new team. Evenepoel's departure from Soudal-QuickStep and move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe is undoubtedly one of the most talked-about transfers in recent cycling history.
[1] Cyclingnews. (2025). Remco Evenepoel to leave Soudal-QuickStep early for Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/remco-evenepoel-to-leave-soudal-quick-step-early-for-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe/
[2] Cyclingnews. (2025). Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe hails Evenepoel signing as a major step in shaping cycling's future. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-hails-evenepoel-signing-as-a-major-step-in-shaping-cyclings-future/
[3] Cyclingnews. (2025). Soudal-QuickStep plans to focus on collective team strength going forward. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/soudal-quick-step-plans-to-focus-on-collective-team-strength-going-forward/
[4] Cyclingnews. (2025). Evenepoel transfer: Soudal-QuickStep and Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe agree on early release. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/evenepoel-transfer-soudal-quick-step-and-red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-agree-on-early-release/
[5] Cyclingnews. (2025). Jurgen Foré believes Soudal Quick-Step can return to its former glory, including the Grand Tours. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/jurgen-fore-believes-soudal-quick-step-can-return-to-its-former-glory-including-the-grand-tours/
Fans of sports will be excited to hear about Remco Evenepoel's transfer to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for the 2026 season, a move that is one of the most talked-about in recent cycling history. This significant shift will see Evenepoel leaving Soudal-QuickStep, a team he was originally contracted with until the end of 2026, and joining a team known for its powerful leadership core including Primož Roglič and Florian Lipowitz.
