Soudal-Quick Step shops at Tudor and becomes true sprinting walhalla after Evenepoel's departure

Dainese emerged from the SEG Racing Academy before spending several seasons with the current Picnic PostNL team. There, he won Giro d’Italia stages in both 2022 and 2023, and also claimed victories in the Arctic Race of Norway and the Vuelta a España in 2023. After that successful season, he signed a two-year deal with ProTeam Tudor, but his momentum stalled somewhat.

In 2024, Dainese still managed to win the Région Pays de la Loire Tour, but in that year’s Giro and this season’s Tour de France he had to settle for minor placings. Still, Soudal–Quick Step sees him as a valuable asset for the next two seasons. “Alberto is a fast guy and we’re convinced he still has a lot to show in the coming years,” said CEO Jurgen Foré.

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“As a kid, I always dreamed of signing with Soudal–Quick Step. I remember watching the team on TV and being impressed by their mentality and winning culture,” Dainese said in a team press release. “I’m really happy to get the chance to ride for The Wolfpack. I’ve seen in the peloton how this team approaches the sport, and it’s made a big impression on me.”

Exactly what role Dainese will play in the sprints remains to be seen. With Tim Merlier and Paul Magnier already on the roster, and Ethan Hayter also possessing a fast finish, competition for sprint opportunities will be fierce. “I want to give the best of myself and contribute to as many victories as possible,” Dainese added. CEO Jurgen Foré said: “Alberto has achieved impressive results in bunch sprints, but he’ll also get the chance to show how strong he is in some demanding one-day races.”