"I actually think that Soudal Quick-Step is one of the winners" - Dutch pundit believes Patrick Lefevere made some smart moves on this year's transfer market
Cycling
In the latest episode of Kop over Kop Jeroen Vanbelleghem and Bobbie Traksel discuss this winter's cycling transfers. Patrick Lefevere's Soudal - Quick-Step is naturally in the center of discussion with quite an interesting transfer window. Long-time leaders and poster-boys in Julian Alaphilippe and Kasper Asgreen seek out a new adventure and we'll see if anyone can fill up their space.
"I actually think that Soudal Quick-Step is one of the winners," says Bobbie Traksel. He starts the analysis by evaluating the departures: "Julian Alaphilippe is leaving and that is a loss. They think that is a shame, but it is good for him to look for new places. Kasper Asgreen was overpaid in recent years and you don't see any major losses with the departure of Masnada, Hirt and Moscon."
"If you compare that to the newcomers. Ethan Hayter is a fantastically good rider, who had to leave INEOS. He is joining a team where he will find himself. Paret-Peintre is one of the guys we have been looking at a lot and Schachmann is returning to the old nest."
"In addition, Dries van Gestel, who has always participated in the classics with his French team in recent years, is not to be underestimated and the same goes for Pascal Eenkhoorn. I really see, if you look at the overall picture, a very well-built team," said the former rider.
Jeroen Vanbelleghem agrees with his colleague: "I can absolutely understand this. They have managed the money they have well, as we know Lefevere. I completely agree with Bobbie."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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