"I want to return to the level of 2022" - Dylan van Baarle sets sights on Spring Classics revival with Soudal – Quick-Step

Dylan van Baarle began his 2026 season at the Volta ao Algarve, where he debuted his new blue-and-white Soudal – Quick-Step jersey after three seasons with Team Visma – Lease a Bike.

With the Opening Weekend of the Spring Classics fast approaching, van Baarle can look back on a memorable milestone, he won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in 2023, his very first race in Visma’s yellow colours.

After that triumph, however, the 33-year-old Dutchman never truly rediscovered his best level and posted rather modest results. A tireless worker, he now views his spell at Visma as a chapter he would rather quickly move on from. Speaking to Wielerflits, he outlined his expectations for the new campaign.

Reflecting on his preparation for the Spring, he explained: “I would say it’s a bit more like three or four years ago. That was the period when I got the best out of myself and we’re trying to get back to that,” referring to his days racing in the colours of INEOS Grenadiers.

Soudal – Quick-Step have already confirmed their line-ups for Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne – Bruxelles – Kuurne, the races that traditionally kick off the Spring. Dylan van Baarle will be at the start and is determined to fight for the top places.

“In any case, we can expect Soudal Quick-Step to be there in the finale again. I had a good training camp with Jasper in Tenerife and I hope that, with our presence, we can take the team to the next level. Then guys like Yves, Dries, Van Gestel and, of course, Paul Magnier can raise that level even higher. We’re expecting a very nice spring.”

Paul Magnier arrives in excellent form, having finished second at the Clàssica Comunitat Valenciana – Gran Premi València (1.1) and claimed two stage wins at the Volta ao Algarve. He is set to lead the team, which will be without Tim Merlier. “It’s a great shame that he’s not there right now. But fortunately Paul Magnier is in good shape and I hope Tim will be back soon.”

On Magnier’s Algarve victories, van Baarle stressed their importance for morale: “Of course, it’s always good when the first win comes quickly. It’s good for the team’s confidence and for Paul himself.”

Back in 2022, Van Baarle won Paris-Roubaix with INEOS Grenadiers, finished second at the Tour of Flanders and placed eighth at the E3 Classic. Strong results he hopes to replicate, knowing he must be among the very best in the decisive moments of the races.

“I want to return to the level of 2022 and whether that’s with a tenth place, a third place or a victory… we’ll see. I want to get back to that level and then I know I can compete in the finale.”

Dylan van Baarle left one of the strongest teams in the peloton at the end of the year, Team Visma – Lease a Bike, and made it clear he does not wish to revisit the past, a topic he feels has already been sufficiently discussed.

“That’s mainly from the Dutch media, I think,” he downplayed, before concluding that the move was carefully considered: “It was a conscious choice and so far I’m very happy with it.”