"I acted too impulsively" - Turning back on a transfer? Alpecin rider set to stay despite previously signing with Quick-Step

Edward Planckaert was one of the first transfers to be announced at the beginning of August, with the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider making a move to Soudal - Quick-Step on a three-year deal. But that will not happen, as the Belgian rider has changed his mind and will be staying with Mathieu van der Poel's team after all.

It is a very unusual situation, because the transfer had been made official by a press release issued by Quick-Step. "I have always admired the Wolfpack’s fighting spirit and how they always race with their heart, so to become part of this team from 2026 onwards is something really special. As a proud Flandrien, I am ready to give everything and help my leaders and the squad get as many victories as possible," Planckaert said at the time. 

Such a move would be important for Quick-Step who are trying to build back up again a cobbled classics team, and in the 30-year old it would have a quality rider coming in, one with years of experience as a domestique for the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen in the classics but also sprints, the ideal fit for both Belgian teams.

At the recent Vuelta a España the Belgian played a key role in the race, delivering Jasper Philipsen to several stage wins whilst he himself showing great form. On stage 4 to Voiron he led out his teammate but still finished third, as the two were ultimately beaten by INEOS Grenadiers' Ben Turner.

But as is the case over the past few months, weird situations can develop in the transfer period and that is seemingly what is in the teams' hands now. According to the Belgian news outlet, Planckaert is working on terminating the deal signed with Quick-Step so that he remains with Alpecin.

"I was indeed planning to head to Soudal Quick-Step. As the season progressed and during the Vuelta, I felt where my place is and where I feel best," Planckaert now shared with Het Laatste Nieuws. "I acted too impulsively and started talking to Jurgen. We reached a mutual agreement, and this is the outcome."