"Remco Evenepoel's departure in 2026 won't signify the team's demise, assures Soudal-QuickStep's Paul Magnier, as fresh chances are anticipated subsequent to his exit"
In the world of cycling, the end of 2025 marks a significant change for Soudal Quick-Step as their top Grand Tour General Classification (GC) rider, Remco Evenepoel, prepares to leave the team[1]. This departure will likely impact Soudal Quick-Step's Grand Tour GC ambitions, as they lose a former world champion and Vuelta a España winner who has contributed significantly to their recent successes[1][3][5].
With Evenepoel's departure, Soudal Quick-Step's focus is expected to shift away from GC battles and return to prioritizing stage wins and sprint classifications, an approach that previously brought them many victories[1][3][5]. The team has already taken steps to maintain success in these areas by signing riders like Milan–San Remo winner Jasper Stuyven and Edward Planckaert[5].
For other riders within Soudal Quick-Step, Evenepoel’s departure opens new opportunities to step up as leaders or key figures in races, shifting away from a clear GC hierarchy[1]. This transition could revitalize the team dynamic by enabling multiple riders to chase different kinds of wins rather than focusing on supporting a single GC contender.
Meanwhile, Evenepoel’s move to Red Bull–Bora-Hansgrohe will likely raise that team's GC competitiveness significantly, joining established GC riders like Primož Roglič, Florian Lipowitz, Jai Hindley, and Dani Martínez[2][5]. This addition increases the internal competition and ambitions within Red Bull-Bora, potentially influencing team dynamics and leadership roles there as well[2][5].
Among the remaining riders at Soudal Quick-Step, Paul Magnier has shone this season with four victories, three of them in one-day races[1]. The 21-year-old French sprinter is set to continue his successful run, with his next race being the Renewi Tour after the Tour de Pologne[1]. Magnier, along with fellow teammate Tim Merlier, will continue to contribute to Soudal Quick-Step's focus on stage wins and sprint classifications[1].
Valentin Paret-Peintre, who won the third stage of the Tour de France on the Ventoux following Remco Evenepoel's abandonment, has also been a valuable asset to the team[1]. Soudal Quick-Step's teammates commented positively on the team's 'winning culture' after Paret-Peintre's victory[1].
The future racing strategies of Soudal Quick-Step will be determined by the team, but it is clear that Evenepoel's departure marks a new chapter for the squad. With a strong roster and a focus on stage wins and sprint classifications, Soudal Quick-Step is poised to continue its winning tradition in the remaining races of the season.
[1] Cycling News. (2025). Remco Evenepoel to leave Soudal Quick-Step at end of 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/remco-evenepoel-to-leave-soudal-quick-step-at-end-of-2025/ [Accessed 2025-07-15].
[2] Cycling Weekly. (2025). Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sign Remco Evenepoel for 2026. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/red-bull-bora-hansgrohe-sign-remco-evenepoel-for-2026-1046629 [Accessed 2025-07-15].
[3] VeloNews. (2025). Soudal Quick-Step's Remco Evenepoel to leave team at end of 2025. [online] Available at: https://velonews.com/news/racing/soudal-quick-step-s-remco-evenepoel-to-leave-team-at-end-of-2025/ [Accessed 2025-07-15].
[4] Cycling Weekly. (2025). Soudal Quick-Step sign Jasper Stuyven and Edward Planckaert. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/soudal-quick-step-sign-jasper-stuyven-and-edward-planckaert-1046692 [Accessed 2025-07-15].
[5] Cycling Weekly. (2025). Paul Magnier re-signs with Soudal Quick-Step for another two years. [online] Available at: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/paul-magnier-re-signs-with-soudal-quick-step-for-another-two-years-1046679 [Accessed 2025-07-15].
Road cycling is a part of sports that Soudal Quick-Step has been a prominent player in, but with the departure of Remco Evenepoel, their Grand Tour GC ambitions might undergo a shift. As a former world champion and Vuelta a España winner, Evenepoel's contribution to the team's recent successes has been significant.
