Bad signs for Soudal - Quick-Step's future as first 2024-season gathering is cancelled

Soudal - Quick-Step may be on the verge of ending. Whilst the chances are not too high, reports suggest that it's first gathering into the 2024 season has been cancelled, leaving riders and staff with less certainties of their future into the upcoming season.

“It is still a mystery to us. I am still convinced that the team will continue next year. Hopefully, we will know more in the coming weeks,” Yves Lampaert told Sporza recently. "We will wait and see what the team tells us before October 19. It's better to ask Patrick Lefevere for an explanation. They will also know that communication needs to be done. Although it is better for them to provide correct information later than to speak out of turn. Patience is key.”

The upcoming two weeks will be crucial for the team's future, as negotiations are ongoing with the team's management, alongside Jumbo-Visma. The possibility of the formation of a new team is quite possible, and the UCI has confirmed the intent. This would be highly detrimental to the riders of the Belgian team however, many of which would be left without a team - not to mention the dozens and dozens of staff members all across the board which would suddenly be on the market for new jobs.

In the upcoming weeks the riders were to meet for meetings, equipment and bike fitting, and team building, but this has been cancelled according to Sporza and Het Laatste Nieuws simultaneously. This comes as a big hit, specially for riders such as Mikel Landa who are new signings within the team and suddenly find themselves uncertain of even having a team for the next season.