"A marriage destined to end in separation" – Remco Evenepoel's split with Soudal - Quick-Step inevitable for Tour de France ambition claims Axel Merckx

Remco Evenepoel’s move to Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe has brought one of cycling’s most intriguing partnerships to an end. After years of speculation and internal tension, the Belgian has left Soudal - Quick-Step — a decision that, according to Axel Merckx, was always going to happen.

“This marriage was destined to end in separation. I think both sides got out of it what they could,” Merckx told La Dernière Heure.

Evenepoel’s time at Quick-Step delivered huge success: a Vuelta a España victory, two World Championship time trial titles and a string of one-week stage race wins. Yet, Merckx believes the signs of an eventual split had been visible for some time. “From certain statements and intentions, it was clear that a departure was being prepared,” he said. “The team evolved – and so did Remco’s ambitions.”

For Merckx, one key moment came when the team’s leadership passed from long-time boss Patrick Lefevere to Jurgen Foré following the former's retirement. “That was a clear signal of change,” he said. “The structure became different, and the project that had been built around Remco took on a new shape. In the long run, a split was inevitable.”

Whether Evenepoel could have achieved his ultimate goal — winning the Tour de France — with Soudal Quick-Step is something Merckx doubts. “Without Vingegaard and Pogacar, he might already have done it,” he admitted. “But Quick-Step simply doesn’t have a tradition of riding for Grand Tours. That’s a fact – and it probably won’t ever change.”

According to Merckx, Evenepoel’s switch to a team more experienced in stage racing was always the logical next step. “I never believed Remco would spend his whole career at Quick-Step,” he said. “His ambition to win all three Grand Tours fits better with teams like Red Bull, Visma or INEOS. That’s where he’ll find the benchmarks he needs.”

Evenepoel now begins a new chapter in the colours of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, while Soudal - Quick-Step prepares for life without the rider who brought it a Grand Tour title for the first time. And as Merckx suggested, this was no sudden rupture — just the inevitable conclusion to a relationship that had already run its course.