Jan Bakelantsformer professional runner and now consultant for The Latest Newsexpresses his doubts about the team's transfer policy Soudal Quick-Step. While the Belgian team has been seeking for several years to strengthen the team to support Remco Evenepoel on the Tour de Franceit is not certain that the objective was achieved, pointing out in particular the weaknesses in the high mountains of the team led by Patrick Lefevere. Indeed, it ensures that the recruitment of runners like Valentin Paret-Painter, Ethan Hayter or even Maximilian Schachmannif they are good reinforcements, will not allow the Belgian star to take a step forward in the Tour de France 2025. He nevertheless highlights their great success: having managed to keep Evenepoelwith a salary increase at stake.
Video – Patrick Lefevere on the 2025 Tour de France
“For the moment, this support is insufficient”
Bakelants first points out the difficulties that the training will encounter Soudal Quick-Step on the Tour de France : “In races where Remco Evenepoel can count mainly on his physical qualities, he will continue to shine and reap victories. But in the big tours, he will need massive support, and for the moment, this support is insufficient “Everything depends on the development of young people like Ilan Van Wilder or William Junior Lecerf, but we can't really count on current recruits to fill these gaps.”.
If he is not convinced by the recruitment policy, he is nevertheless delighted with the efforts of the Belgian team to keep their star: “Although his contract was not extended, he was given a pay rise to dissuade him from joining teams like Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe. This is arguably Soudal Quick-Step's most notable move this Remco fully deserves this status, being the second best rider in the world after Tadej Pogacar..
