As Evenepoel leaves, Soudal - Quick-Step renews with its new key climber - "A natural and strategic decision for us"

Soudal - Quick-Step is going through a major shift this winter, with the departure of Remco Evenepoel, and a renewed focus on the spring classics with signings such as Jasper Stuyven and Dylan van Baarle; and in the sprints with a signing of a third major sprinter in Alberto Dainese. However, the team isn't letting go fully of its climbing block, and Valentin Paret-Peintre has now signed a new contract with the team, extending his stay all the way into 2028.

“It was immediately clear that Valentin had the qualities we value most at Soudal Quick-Step. From the moment he arrived, he showed not only his talent, but also the mentality, ambition, and hunger to improve that define our team," team CEO Jurgen Foré said in a press release. The French climber had spent the first three years of his career with Decathlon CMA CGM Team and in the latter, he proved to be highly impressive in the mountains as well as a consistent figure.

He was signed to be a domestique for the Belgian team's climbers, but he couldn't participate in the Giro d'Italia due to an injury in the spring; whilst at the Tour de France Remco Evenepoel had a premature withdrawal. However when then given his opportunity, he did not miss, getting himself in the breakaway on the Mont Ventoux stage and then raising his arms on the mythical Géant de Provence.

"His performances spoke for themselves, but just as important was the way he integrated into the group and embraced our way of racing. Extending his contract was a natural and strategic decision for us," Foré admits. "Extending Valentin is an investment in the ambitions this team has for uphill racing and grand tours, and we are proud to continue building something strong and ambitious together over the coming years".

Hence the team maintains its presence in the mountainous races with Paret-Peintre, Mikel Landa; but also new signings Steff Cras and developing talent William Junior Lecerf. They all have quality to provide results, whilst the team has with this block the leverage to sign other strong climbers in the future.

“I’m very happy here, I feel at home in the team, and I’ve built strong relationships with both the riders and the staff," Paret-Peintre added. "I love being part of this group, whether it’s at races or training camps. Signing until 2028 means a lot to me, because last season showed how much I can grow in this environment".

The Frenchman, winner of the Tour of Oman's queen stage as well this past winter, will return to the Middle East to start his season, before making the trip to Europe for Paris-Nice. This summer, he will return to the Tour de France with renewed ambitions of success. "I believe strongly in this team, and I feel their confidence in me every day, which is hugely motivating and pushes me to keep progressing".