Casper Pedersen on future at Quick-Step: I want to be involved in a leadout role

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team has made few transfers into the 2023, and Casper Pedersen is one of the supporting riders that is set to be a crucial piece of the team in the coming years, or so he ambitions.

“I have always looked at Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl and had a little dream inside of me to wear that jersey, so I am quite excited for the coming years," Pedersen told Velonews. "... They dictate races in a way that few other teams can and it’s a signal that there is a great atmosphere, and everyone is prepared to work for each other, and it is something that I want to be a part of,” he said. “I hope the structure and the environment can help me develop as a rider.”

As the team brought in Tim Merlier and is looking to have a specific leadout for him, as Fabio Jakobsen does with Michael Morkov, Florian Sénéchal and Yves Lampaert, Pedersen was brought in for that role. Although at Team DSM he hasn't had much practice, his rouleur skills are ideal for such a role, which he is looking to use to develop into a world-class leadout.

“I want to be involved in the action at the end of races, especially in a leadout role," he admits. "This team will give me a chance to learn from the very best, especially from Michael [Morkov], and be able to be part of some successful sprints with the team".

“Having Michael there is especially good for me with regards to the sprints, but I also already know Kasper (Asgreen) and Mikkel (Honoré) and speak to them in the bunch," he said. With a two-year deal on the table and a rather anonymous season at the Dutch team, it is sure to be a big step forward in the 26-year old's career, the winner of the 2020 Paris-Tours.