"Sponsors like Soudal prefer contracts to be honored": Soudal Quick-Step CEO speaks out on Evenepoel transfer

“After taking some time to consult with our sponsors and partners, the team’s ownership and management have decided that it is in best interest of everyone to agree that Remco can move at the end of the current 2025 season,” the Belgian team said in announcing the transfer.

"While we regret Remco’s decision to leave, we will foster the memories that we have made and will continue to strive together to achieve some significant results for the rest of the season. We strongly believe in the team spirit that earned us the title of the Wolfpack, and we will continue to strive to be a collective that is stronger than any one individual," the team said.

“I think we are parting ways on good terms,” CEO Foré concluded in an interview with Sporza. “It's a relief that there is clarity. The intention was to start talks about the future after the Tour, which was a big goal for both of us.”

However, that did not happen. “In June, it became clear that the prospects for an extended stay were slim. Also, given what had happened previously, we felt that we did not need to push. So we didn't. He has, of course, been an important rider for our team, but we still have others,” said Foré.

"Although having one such top rider in your team indeed raises the profile of the others," the Belgian also knows. Who will be that top rider now? "Tim Merlier is responsible for half of our victories this year. I think we now need to race with a broader approach and as a team again."

According to the CEO, Soudal Quick-Step has “done everything to make Remco happy,” so the Belgian team boss now wants to move on. “I want to turn the page and have confidence in the team. We've been around for 23 years and have written many chapters. This is just one of them.”

It would be a chapter involving a substantial amount of money. "We're not going to talk about numbers, but it's a fair amount. However, sponsors such as Soudal prefer that a contract be honored. But we decided that we didn't want to end up in court."

Those sponsors were notified of the latest news in a timely manner. "The rumors were becoming untenable behind the scenes. Now it's up to us to draw up a vision for the future. Pursuing rankings and winning stages in major tours will certainly be part of that. Our period has been turbulent, but everything has always been handled professionally. It has been a great chapter, and I look forward to writing new ones. This is not the end of the team," he says optimistically.