"Soudal-QuickStep Team CEO admits team received a substantial sum to let Remco Evenepoel terminate his contract prematurely, stating their aversion to court proceedings."
Soudal-QuickStep Bids Farewell to Remco Evenepoel as He Joins Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe
Remco Evenepoel, one of cycling's brightest stars, has announced his departure from Soudal-QuickStep, a move that marks a new phase in his career. The decision, made by mutual agreement, ends a relationship that began in 2019 when he turned professional with the team.
Evenepoel will join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe starting with the 2026 season in a major transfer. This move offers Evenepoel several benefits: a fresh start after spending his entire professional career at Soudal-QuickStep, better financial terms, and alignment with a team highly focused on winning the Tour de France, which is one of his key career goals. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, known for having one of the largest budgets, views Evenepoel as a new figurehead and central part of their project to challenge top riders like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.
The decision followed weeks of speculation and consultations involving team management, sponsors, and partners. Soudal-QuickStep's CEO, Jurgen Foré, announced the news, stating that they decided not to go to court over the matter. An agreement was reached between the three parties, avoiding a drawn-out legal process. The exact severance pay amount is unknown, but it is reportedly €2 million.
Jurgen Foré, who took over as CEO of Soudal-QuickStep at the start of the current season, expressed confidence in the team and their ambition to win stages in Grand Tours. He did not rule out future GC ambitions for the team, stating that they have built up knowledge to aim for GC positions in future.
Patrick Lefevere, the former long-standing CEO of Soudal-QuickStep, stepped down as CEO but remains uninvolved in transfers and team matters. Despite his departure, Lefevere was thanked by Evenepoel's father, Patrick, for his past work.
Soudal-QuickStep's results were better in the current year, but they could not make a mark in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. The team is now focusing on the future, with a move back towards a Classics-focussed team.
Jurgen Foré mentioned that there were not many climbers on the market in 2026, but there will be in 2027. This suggests that Soudal-QuickStep is already planning for the future and looking to strengthen its team.
In summary, Evenepoel's early departure was by mutual consent due to his expressed wishes not to extend with Quick-Step, and his move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe marks a strategic new phase in his career aimed at achieving major objectives like the Tour de France victory.
[1] Soudal-QuickStep announces Remco Evenepoel's departure
[2] Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe confirms Remco Evenepoel's arrival
[3] Evenepoel's father thanks Lefevere for past work
[4] Soudal-QuickStep to focus on Classics in 2026
[5] UCI Arbitral Board to review Evenepoel's early contract termination
[1] Soudal-QuickStep, the cycling team that has nurtured the talents of Remco Evenepoel, has announced his departure after mutual agreement, setting the stage for a new chapter in his career.
[2] Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, the sports-betting-sponsored team, is thrilled to confirm the arrival of Remco Evenepoel from 2026, skillfully aligning their business interests with Evenepoel's ambitious sports goals, particularly in the European leagues such as the Premier League.
[3] In a heartfelt message, Evenepoel's father expressed thanks to Patrick Lefevere, the former CEO of Soudal-QuickStep, for his past work and contributions to his son's career.
[4] With Evenepoel's departure and the arrival of fresher talents in 2027, Soudal-QuickStep plans to refocus its business strategy, shifting its emphasis back towards a Classics-focussed team.
[5] Due to the early termination of Evenepoel's contract, the UCI Arbitral Board may review the terms of his departure to ensure compliance with the rules governing finance, investing, and real-estate deals within the realm of sports and professional cycling.
