"Transfer Evenepoel closer than ever": Soudal Quick-Step is likely to lose its top rider despite a contract until the end of 2026

This is according to cycling journalist and transfer guru Daniel Benson on his website. "Several individuals familiar with the ongoing negotiations have informed us that the deal is close, with one estimating it at 70 per cent complete and another at 80 per cent." Benson does not stop at estimating how far along the deal is, but even has details about Evenepoel's new contract.

“What we’ve learned is that Evenepoel is looking at a four-year deal, which would include the buyout of his 2026 season, meaning he would sign for an additional three years at Red Bull if all steps of the signing process are completed.” Evenepoel currently has a contract with his current team, Soudal Quick-Step, until 2026. The Flemish cycling hero will, therefore, not be staying with the Belgian team until the end of that year. This part of the transfer has yet to be finalized.

"As we’ve previously reported, it’s understood that he has already agreed on the outline of personal terms with Red Bull. What’s clear is that Mattia Cattaneo will also move from Soudal Quick-Step to Red Bull on a three-year deal, and his transfer is linked to the Evenepoel situation - although it’s not certain if this can be regarded as a ‘package deal’, as different parties represent Cattaneo and Evenepoel."

A few hours after Remco Evenepoel was welcomed as a hero at the team hotel after his time trial victory, Jurgen Foré, CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, spoke to Vive le Vélo about the situation of his top rider. ‘He still has a contract until the end of 2026, and we assume that he will respect that,’ he said clearly.

However, it will not be as easy as it is on paper: in the past, buyout fees have been paid for riders who wanted to leave early. "So he will definitely ride with us for another year. But in the longer term, we are working on a future with and without Remco."

Foré also notes that transfer rumors, such as those involving Benson, continue to surface. “But the situation has not changed compared to last year or even last month. It's always the same names.” Foré is referring to a possible transfer to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe or INEOS. According to Benson, the latter no longer seems to be in the running to sign the Olympic champion.

Also at the table with Karl Vannieuwkerke was analyst and former rider Jan Bakelants, who is skeptical about the situation. “I would be surprised if Remco were still riding for Soudal Quick-Step next year. I understand that it's not an easy market to attract climbers and that Jurgen has to watch every penny. But you could break Remco's contract, for example, by increasing his salary by 50%.”

Bakelants explains why. "Because with Remco, you have one of the three kings in your team. I think it's fundamental for the future of Soudal Quick-Step to keep him. That's also the asset you have to convince sponsors. Is that realistic? Maybe not, but at least you know where Remco's heart lies. If he doesn't want to break the contract, then you know that 2026 is the end of the road. Then you can make changes if necessary."

Foré had the last word on the situation regarding Evenepoel. ‘It's sometimes difficult that it's always so turbulent because you need some stability to build something. Patrick Lefevere's successor also emphasizes that he has “a good team” riding for him. “Of course, you have Visma-Lease a Bike and UAE here. But we fit in the line-up behind them.”