"I am very grateful for the past years" - Fabio Jakobsen says heartfelt goodbye to Soudal - Quick-Step

After six years as part of the 'Wolfpack', Fabio Jakobsen will depart Soudal - Quick-Step and ride for Team DSM-Firmenich in 2024. Before he goes however, the Dutchman has sent a heartfelt goodbye message to the team.

"It's a bit emotional, but I kind of knew this moment was coming," Jakobsen says in a video message posted to the team's official website. "Before I joined the team, I drove for SEG Racing. Lefevere showed interest there, after which I asked for Niki Terpstra's number. He was riding for the team at the time, so he knew how The Wolfpack worked and whether it was a good opportunity for me.”

It didn't take long for Jakobsen to start making a name for himself at Soudal - Quick-Step and the 27-year-old has gone on to take six Grand Tour stages among other successes. "I remember it was very tough at the first training camp, on the climbs around Calpe," he recalls. "Step by step, however, I became stronger, partly because of the team. I have a special bond with all the riders and staff members, so I am very grateful for the past years."

Among the highs, there have been the lows. Most notably, a scary crash at the 2020 Tour de Pologne. "I remember many colleagues visiting me at home, even though I could barely speak and was very tired. They then took the trouble to come all the way to the Netherlands to see me," he remembers. “Everyone knew it was tough, but everyone did everything they could to support me. Then you also know that you are not alone. That creates a special place in my heart and that's why it's a shame that I'm leaving the team, even though there was no other option. It will always be one of the most special memories I have of the team."