After months of speculation, Remco Evenepoel’s departure from Soudal Quick-Step was formally confirmed on August 5th, with the Belgian star set to join Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe in 2026. The move brings an end to a long-running saga that has hovered over the Belgian team for years. While he had a contract running through 2026, team CEO Jurgen Foré explained that a financial agreement allowed for an early release.
“We’re not going to discuss sums, but it’s a fair amount,” Foré told Sporza. “Although sponsors like Soudal would prefer to see a contract honoured, we decided we didn’t want to go to court.”
The fee has been reported in the Belgian media as around €2 million, though this has not been confirmed. Foré, who took over from Patrick Lefevere at the beginning of 2025, said the decision was reached after consulting with sponsors and team ownership. He described the situation as one that had become too complicated to continue.
“This wasn’t the first time there were issues. Things had started to get tough for the team,” Foré said. “We felt there was no way forward. At the end of last week, we decided it was better to do it this way.”
The move ends a seven-year stint with the Belgian squad for Evenepoel, who had joined directly from the junior ranks. Over that time he won the Vuelta a España in 2022, two World Championship time trial titles, and Olympic gold in both the road race and time trial in 2024. Yet despite a stellar season last year, including third overall at the Tour de France, 2025 has so far been more muted. A crash in December and a disrupted build-up seemed to stall momentum, and behind the scenes, the feeling grew that Evenepoel was looking for a reset.
“Our intention was to sit down together after the Tour and see what the future held. But in the end, it didn’t happen,” Foré explained. “In June, we got word from Remco that he saw his future with another team starting in 2027. The question arose – could that happen already in 2026? Either amicably or through difficult means.”
The team opted for the former. The deal was completed behind the scenes in time for the August 5th announcement, giving all sides a clean break. Lefevere, now no longer involved in team affairs, made a single post on social media, saying he wasn’t permitted to comment. Evenepoel’s father, Patrick, responded: “Thkx for all Boss! We know, what we know…”
Despite losing their marquee rider, Foré was keen to stress that the team’s ambitions were not over. “It’s not the end of the team,” he said. “We’ve been around for 23 years and have written many chapters. This is just one of them.”
That was echoed by 21-year-old Paul Magnier, one of Soudal Quick-Step’s standout performers this season with four wins already to his name. “It’s not the end of the team,” he said at the Tour de Pologne. “There are other riders who might come through. A new door will open.”
He added that Evenepoel’s exit wouldn’t affect his own schedule directly. “Remco and I didn’t have the same program, so it doesn’t change things for me so much, but it’s going to open a new door.”
Tim Merlier remains a cornerstone of the squad, having taken 12 of the team’s 28 victories so far this year. Meanwhile, the addition of Jasper Stuyven signals a renewed emphasis on the team’s traditional strength in the Classics, even as Foré kept the door open for renewed GC ambitions in the future.
“In 2026, there weren’t many climbers on the market,” Foré said. “But in 2027, there will be. We’ll see what steps we can take.”
Evenepoel will continue with Soudal Quick-Step for the remainder of the 2025 season, meaning there is still time for more wins in his current jersey. However, both team and rider appear ready to move on.
“I think we’re parting ways on good terms,” Foré said. “We’ve done everything we can to make Remco happy. Now, we want to turn the page and have confidence in the team.”
