Remco Evenepoel's transfer rumors resurface at Tour de France, Belgian star says he doesn't know anything about it

Evenepoel escaped the turmoil that had been going on for years for just one day. In recent years, Patrick Lefevere has repeatedly lashed out at his former Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe colleague Ralph Denk, accusing him of approaching the Belgian rider behind his back.

On the Wednesday before the Tour, Soudal Quick-Step presented its selection for the Tour, but on Thursday, Evenepoel also had to attend the so-called top riders' press conference in the opera house in Lille. There, he was immediately confronted with the revived rumors about talks with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe.

The journalist in question wanted to know whether this would distract Evenepoel during this edition of the Tour de France. The Soudal Quick-Step team leader did not hesitate in his response. “It's the first I've heard of it, so no, it's not distracting me. You're the first to tell me, so you know more than I do.”

Was he pretending? During the first weekend of the Tour, the first reports came through that there was indeed flirting again between Evenepoel's entourage and the German team. This was not least due to the words of Denk himself to cycling journalist Daniel Benson.

“The situation is clear, and there are always rumors, but Remco still has a contract until 2026. I'm a big fan of Remco, but I respect his contract,” said the German. “There is no contact at the moment, but in cycling, things can change quickly. Remco is a strong rider, a great character, and still has potential.” Denk laughed off suggestions that a deal had already been done. “I can't confirm that; I can only smile.”

On Sunday evening, Escape Collective published an article claiming that Evenepoel would indeed be leaving Soudal Quick-Step, according to anonymous sources they had spoken to. "One source familiar with Evenepoel’s thinking indicated the rider will inform Soudal-Quick Step of his intention to exit after the Tour de France wraps up at the end of July, while others suggest discussions are underway already."

"Evenepoel’s valid contract, with a year and a half remaining, is a persistent hurdle," according to the media outlet. Now that Evenepoel wants to leave, Soudal-Quick Step wants to recoup some of the value of their rider instead of letting him leave for free. Several sources involved are convinced that an agreement can be reached that is favorable to all parties.

HLN followed up by stating that INEOS Grenadiers—which recently brought TotalEnergies on board as a co-sponsor—is still in the race to sign Evenepoel. This story will undoubtedly continue, but will we hear anything more from Evenepoel himself during this Tour? His statement, “It's the first I've heard of it,” no longer applies...