Quick-Step starts a new life without Remco Evenepoel. The absolute leader of the past seasons left for Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe, but they certainly do not mourn at The Wolfpack. They even see advantages in Evenepoel’s departure.
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Quick-Step throws everything overboard after departure from Evenepoel
‘It was time’
This became apparent at the team presentation of 2026. There, Iljo Keisse spoke to the various media, stating that Evenepoel’s departure could have a positive effect on the current group of riders. Even though he personally finds it a shame to see Remco leave.
“Personally, I think it’s a shame that Remco is gone. Losing one of the top riders of the current generation is certainly painful. But it is also a good thing for the team. There was so much pressure from Remco. I think it is better for the group that that extra sporting pressure via Remco is now gone,” Keisse is clear.
“Now we can focus on the sporting side again. I mean: we are done with the chatter. ‘I’m going to Ineos, I’m going to Visma, I’m going to Red Bull…’”, Keisse refers to the many transfer rumors in recent years surrounding the person of Evenepoel.
Bad for the team, says the Ghent native: “That put so much pressure on the group, on the sponsors, on Patrick Lefevere and Jurgen Foré. It’s good that we’re done with that. I already said that to Remco himself. He had simply become too big.”
A new superstar in the making
And so Quick-Step is currently ‘missing’ a real figurehead for the team, although there is a new gem around: Paul Magnier. “There is less attention internationally. That is the Remco effect. But with Paul that can certainly return in the coming years,” Keisse firmly believes in the Frenchman.
Comparisons are even being made with Tom Boonen: “Paul can certainly become the new Boonen. As a sprinter he is even faster than Tom, who had to rely more on power. Paul is also lighter than Tom, which can help in the classics.”
