Soudal Quick-Step adds Planckaert to Belgian core after signing Stuyven: "A dream come true"

With the incoming transfer of Planckaert, Soudal Quick-Step is expanding its Belgian core. Earlier, it already transferred the talented Jonathan Vervenne from the development team, followed by Jasper Stuyven, a big Belgian name. The outgoing transfer of Remco Evenepoel, on the other hand, seems to be taking shape.

For Alpecin-Deceuninck, this means losing a loyal lieutenant. The 30-year-old from Kortrijk will have completed five years of loyal service at the end of this year. In addition to Planckaert, several other riders are also set to leave, as the contracts of Quinten Hermans, Gianni Vermeersch, and Xandro Meurrise, among others, are expiring.

“I started riding my bike when I was just eight years old, dreaming of one day joining a team like Soudal Quick-Step,” Planckaert said in a press release. “I’m incredibly happy this dream will finally become reality next year. I have always admired the Wolfpack’s fighting spirit and how they always race with their heart, so to become part of this team from 2026 onwards is something really special. As a proud Flandrien, I am ready to give everything and help my leaders and the squad get as many victories as possible.”

CEO Jurgen Foré is also pleased with his new signing. "As we continue to strengthen our team for next season, we bring in Edward, who’s a rider that can do well in many different races and scenarios. He has shown what he is capable of since joining the World Tour and that makes us confident that his support and experience in the Classics, navigating Grand Tours, and flat finishes, can help us when it will matter the most," said the Belgian.