“I was amazed at how strong he is” – Remco Evenepoel’s Soudal – Quick-Step teammate marvels at his team leader’s ability

At just 22 years old, Pepijn Reinderink has completed a promising debut season with Soudal – Quick-Step. Reflecting on his 2024 campaign, the Dutch cyclist shared insights into his adjustment to professional cycling and his ambitions for the future.

In an interview with Wieler Revue, Reinderink spoke candidly about his transition to the professional ranks. "I actually felt ready to make the step to the pros. If the opportunity arises, you don't say no to it. It took some getting used to at first, because I had prepared myself for a year with the promises. I was going to win races, while now I had to domestique more often. That was a mental adjustment."

Despite the challenges, Reinderink has clear goals for the years ahead. "That's why the team knows what they can expect from me, but it is my goal to grow to the status of leader, or to someone who can at least win major races. I'm thinking mainly of the spring. In major tours I would like to support classification riders like Mikel Landa and Remco Evenepoel. That's a role that should suit me well."

Racing alongside stars like Remco Evenepoel has already been a significant highlight of Reinderink's career. He recounted their experience together at the Coppa Bernocchi, saying, "It was special to race with him. He was very pleased with what I did for him in that race. Remco is very grateful, he really appreciates it when you ride in front for him or through the wind."

Reinderink also shared a memorable moment from a training session with Evenepoel early in the year. "But last year in January I was amazed at how strong he is. He drove us all into a pile in a training race. We call that training race the club championships. Unfortunately he is not there this year, but he won that one last year too. Those club championships are alive in a funny way, that also makes the atmosphere fun."

Like Evenepoel, Reinderink initially pursued football before finding his passion for cycling. "I had to do preliminary rounds for a selection in the youth of De Graafschap. I got to the last round, but was ultimately not accepted. Then it all faded a bit and I went for cycling."

Looking back, the switch proved to be the right choice. "I noticed quite quickly that cycling suited me even better than football. My dad used to cycle, and my brother and I really liked it. Football has faded into the background, and that is mainly due to the pure love for cycling."