"His current contract underpays him" - Report suggests Remco Evenepoel is keen on leaving Soudal - Quick-Step in search of better support

Patrick Lefevere is quite unpleased with the continuous bids for rival teams to negotiate and try to convince Remco Evenepoel to leave Soudal - Quick-Step behind. Despite the long-term contract, a report suggests this may be closer than previously believed.

RadioCycling have approached a source near Evenepoel which has commented that “it will all come down to money… and his current contract underpays him. Patrick Lefevere needs to adapt his contract or risk conflict.”

Evenepoel is notorously being seeked by INEOS Grenadiers who, with the new generational change, has not been able to grab a leader capable of matching the likes of Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard or Tadej Pogacar. The big financial means of the team make it a possible contender even if a contract is broken and there is the need to pay big bucks.

The reports suggests that with bonuses included Evenepoel may earn up to €4 million a year, whilst Tadej Pogacar would win €7 million. It is believed he is not satisfied with this difference taking into consideration his worth, and within his camp there is a search for another team - with Soudal - Quick-Step struggling to provide a support block of the level of teams such as Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates.