Soudal-QuickStep Shifts Focus to classics Amidst Evenepoel Departure, Bolsters Roster with Established Talent
leuven, Belgium – Soudal-QuickStep is recalibrating its strategy following the departure of Remco Evenepoel, pivoting back towards its historical strength in the Classics while strategically reinforcing its rider lineup for the 2026 season. Rather than pursuing a direct replacement for Evenepoel’s Grand Tour ambitions, the team has leveraged financial flexibility and a potential buy-out windfall to secure a cohort of proven Classics specialists.
The team has experienced several rider departures, including Mattia Cattaneo and james Knox, who have moved to Picnic-PostNL, and Luke Lamperti, now with EF Education-Easypost. However,the team reports no important losses beyond Evenepoel,with riders like Serry and Cattaneo acknowledged for their work rate,but not deemed critical to retain. Lamperti, despite receiving a contract renewal offer from Soudal-QuickStep, ultimately chose to move teams. Knox, a committed climbing domestique, was also allowed to depart, as his skillset didn’t align strongly with the team’s Classics focus.
This strategic shift is underscored by the team’s recruitment efforts. The freed-up budget, combined with potential funds from Evenepoel’s transfer, has enabled Soudal-QuickStep to acquire established riders specializing in one-day races.This represents a return to the team’s core identity prior to its pursuit of Grand Tour success with Evenepoel.
While the team acknowledges the loss of a potential Grand Tour contender, the 2026 roster is positioned to deliver success in the classics, possibly exceeding the returns of investing in a top-10 GC rider. Luke Lamperti revealed to Cyclingnews that Soudal-QuickStep did attempt to renew his contract, but he ultimately opted for a new challenge.
