"I feel that a new environment can give me a fresh boost" - Dylan van Baarle aims to get back to the top

The paths of destiny are unpredictable. Dylan van Baarle would know a few things about that. The winner of 2022 Paris-Roubaix who finished runner-up at World Championships year prior has disappeared from the radar over past three seasons as a result of a mix of crashes, injuries and illnesses that allowed the 33-year-old Dutchman to complete only 21 race days in 2024.

In order to turn the tides back in his favor, Van Baarle intends to take a step into unknown and change colours for next season. "It's not a decision I made overnight, but especially after the bad luck of the past few years, it might be good to have a new challenge. I feel that a new environment can give me a fresh boost."

It's a move he might regret after three seasons in Visma | Lease a Bike where he had already seemingly found a place. "You can be wrong, of course, but I think leaving will allow me to perform at the level I have performed at in the past," Van Baarle said on In Koers podcast with a hope in his voice.

Among many other possibilities, Soudal - Quick-Step is currently the one team that is being connected with Van Baarle most often regarding his 2026 destination.