Quick-Step boss warns INEOS over rumored (illegal) Evenepoel move: “They could face relegation”

Last year, Ralph Denk made a clear push to secure Evenepoel’s signature, but Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe ended up hearing a firm no. This season, Italian journalist Riccardo Magrini reported that INEOS Grenadiers are very keen to sign the Belgian top rider for next year. The problem: Evenepoel’s current contract runs through 2026. Foré doesn’t want to overthink it. “I don’t believe those decisions are being made right now, and you have to remember he’s on a big contract,” he told Daniel Benson.

The Belgian team has given Evenepoel a lot, and expects something in return. “We paid his salary for five or six months to support him during his rehab and get him back on track. As a team, you put a lot into helping a rider return, and we did exactly that. We gave him full support, with every possible resource. Now it’s time to focus on racing. When he’s with the team, everything is calm. He’s going to altitude, preparing for races, doing exactly what’s needed. And so are we. Right now, the only thing that matters is his contract, and that ends in December 2026. That’s what counts. Everything else is just noise.”

Still, there’s plenty of noise surrounding the two-time Olympic champion from Paris. “I can’t stop people from talking about 2027, but I don’t believe any contracts are being signed right now. He has the right to do so, of course, but we supported him in the best way possible to get him back to racing. He had everything he needed, and we took our responsibility. Now we’re rebuilding, and he’s paid to race, not to be in the papers.”

Soudal Quick-Step would love to see Evenepoel extend his contract, ideally for as long as possible. Wout van Aert and, more recently, Mads Pedersen have both committed long term to their teams. “We need to have that conversation, and that moment will come,” Foré said. “I see all these lifetime contracts, but a lifetime is a long time. If you have sponsors willing to take that risk, fine. That’s not the reality for us. We have strong backing from our partners, but our current contracts run through 2027. We’ll talk about extensions when the time is right.”

If Evenepoel decides he wants to leave, keeping him won’t be easy. Could an early contract termination be on the table? “A contract is a contract,” the Belgian team boss said firmly. “For me, that’s not up for discussion. The only thing on the table is the contract, and there are clear rules about that. All teams and parties would need to agree. And let’s not forget that teams can be relegated for breaking UCI regulations.”

While a potential departure is one topic, possible signings are another. Jasper Stuyven and Dylan van Baarle have both been linked to the team, and Foré seems open to their arrival. “They’re interesting riders. Both are strong and have won big classics. Jasper is more of a puncher, while Dylan can also be valuable in Grand Tours. They’re definitely interesting. I can’t say much more, but yes, they’re interesting.”