"Brennan, Magnier... he fits right in with that group" Alpecin-Deceuninck hopes for breakthrough with Dutch ace

Alpecin-Deceuninck can look back on yet another exceptional year. With stars Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen, the Belgian outfit once again delivered a series of top-level victories — but much of the credit, it must be said, also belongs to the Roodhooft brothers, Christoph and Philip. The duo turned 2024 into another success story, though there are still some uncertainties heading into the new season.

To sum up: Van der Poel won Milan–San Remo, Paris–Roubaix, the E3 Saxo Classic, and a Tour de France stage. Philipsen also struck gold at La Grande Boucle, adding three stage wins in the Vuelta a España later in the year. Even Kaden Groves contributed with several strong performances. Another unforgettable year for Alpecin-Deceuninck — but do the Roodhooft brothers take credit for it?

Christoph sees their role as limited. "Though small things can make a big difference in the end," he tells Het Laatste Nieuws. "Within the team atmosphere, we make sure everyone feels comfortable and maintain the right balance. We expect a lot, but also give some freedom. We embrace defeats and put them into perspective — ‘alright, it is what it is, and we move on’. Maybe that’s our greatest achievement."

Philip, however, sees it differently. "I actually think our contribution is quite significant," he said. "We’ve built something solid — a well-oiled machine where everyone pushes each other to a higher level. Of course, that machine needs to keep running and be managed. We can’t afford to say, ‘It’s fine if things ease up a bit,’ because that attitude inevitably spreads to the rest."

The team is in a strong position heading into 2025, but Deceuninck will end its sponsorship, leaving a vacancy for a new partner. One thing is certain — it won’t be Premier Tech. "We’re nervous every day," Philip admitted with a laugh. "But that’s balanced by the knowledge and conviction that we’re doing things right. If you keep that up long enough, results will follow."

Matching last year’s results will be no small task. "The question is: does it have to be better?" Christoph wondered. "Even if it’s the same or just a little less, that’s still okay. Of course, there are always areas where we can grow. But sometimes you have to be content with what’s going well — without saying ‘that’s enough’. That’s something different, because it still has to last."

In terms of transfers, Alpecin-Deceuninck has mostly said goodbye to riders so far — Gianni Vermeersch, Quinten Hermans, and Timo Kielich are leaving the team. Yet the Roodhooft brothers seemed to confirm that Maurice Ballerstedt, Lindsay De Vylder, Matteo Busatto, Gerben Thijssen, and Jonas Geens are all set to join.

It’s clear the management sees no reason for concern. "We actually came out of the transfer window stronger — cheaper and better," said Christoph. "Maybe Meurisse’s departure hurts a bit, but if Maurice Ballerstedt can rediscover his old form next spring, that’ll solve a lot. He already rode for us in 2024 before stepping away from the sport — now he’s back."

The team is also counting on younger riders to step up. "We’re looking forward to the continued development of Tibor Del Grosso," Christoph added about the young Dutchman, who has already showed great things at the highest level. "At 22, he’s already competing at the level we aim for." Philip agreed: "Brennan, Magnier... he fits right in with that group."