Soudal QuickStep Pays Evenepoel to Leave Early – Contract Details
# Soudal Swift-Step Navigates Post-Lefevere Era, Eyes Classics Future While Keeping GC Ambitions Alive
The Soudal Quick-Step team is charting a new course following the departure of long-time CEO Patrick Lefevere, with Tim Rammers appointed as the new COO and designated successor. The transition comes amidst ongoing speculation surrounding the future of star rider Remco Evenepoel, a saga the team is now actively seeking to move past.
## A New Leadership Structure Emerges
Soudal quick-Step officially announced Tim Rammers joined as COO in 2024,effectively stepping into Lefevere’s shoes. The change at the helm has been met with a notably restrained response, particularly concerning Evenepoel’s potential move. Lefevere himself, bound by contractual obligations, has publicly distanced himself from transfer discussions.
In a brief statement posted on X, Lefevere stated, “Since I stepped down as CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, I’m no longer involved in transfers or any team matters. Agreement-wise, I’m also not allowed to communicate about transfers – not even about Remco. Please don’t call me. This is the only communication I will make.”
Evenepoel’s father, Patrick Evenepoel, who manages his son’s affairs, offered a succinct acknowledgement: “Thkx for all Boss! We know, what we know…” hinting at ongoing, private discussions.
## shifting Focus: Classics and Beyond
New COO Foré is prioritizing a fresh start, aiming to quell the constant media scrutiny surrounding Evenepoel’s future. While the transfer saga continues to simmer, the team’s recent recruitment strategy signals a clear emphasis on strengthening their presence in the Classics.
The signing of Jasper Stuyven, a seasoned Classics campaigner with twelve years of experience at Lidl-Trek, is a prime example of this renewed focus.Stuyven’s arrival adds significant firepower to a team historically dominant in races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
However, Foré insists that a return to classics dominance doesn’t mean abandoning Grand Tour ambitions entirely. “I want to turn the page now and have confidence in the team. We’ve been around for 23 years and have written many chapters. This is just one of them,” he explained.
“For next year, we’ve mainly strengthened the core of the team with versatile riders. This year, the results were already much better, but it still hurt that we couldn’t really make our mark in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.”
## Building for the Future: Grand Tour Potential
Soudal Quick-Step recognizes the need to evolve and remain competitive across all disciplines.While immediate Grand Tour success may not be the primary goal, the team is actively laying the groundwork for future contenders.
“But that doesn’t diminish our ambition to win stages in Grand Tours, and we’ve now also built up the knowledge to aim for GC positions. In 2026, there weren’t many climbers on the market, but in 2027, there will be. We’ll see what steps we can take in that direction.”
The team is taking a long-term view, acknowledging that building a genuine Grand Tour threat requires strategic recruitment and patient progress.They are focused on identifying and nurturing the next generation of climbing talent, with an eye towards the opportunities that will emerge in the coming years.
Soudal Quick-Step is entering a new era, one defined by a renewed focus on its core strengths while simultaneously building a foundation for sustained success in all areas of professional cycling. The team’s ability to