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."