"I would be interested": Tom Boonen indicates that he would be open to the idea of helping Wolfpack return to the top

Soudal - Quick-Step is a team that in the past swept the classics. The mythical 'Wolfpack' was unstoppable, and perhaps that's the path they need to return to without Remco Evenepoel. To that end, one of their greatest legends, Tom Boonen, has offered to return to serve as the team's coach from the start of next season.

Speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, Boonen said that there had been no negotiations or contact with Quick-Step, but that he is willing to return to the team if they want him to:

"Wilfried Peeters can come and talk. I would be interested in participating in the spring classics campaign. If Soudal - Quick-Step wants to put the spring team back together, I would be interested," the four-time Paris-Roubaix winner began decisively.

In the 2004-2012 period, Fabian Cancellara and Boonen fought some of the most exciting battles of Paris-Roubaix, winning seven editions among the two (Boonen 4 and Cancellara 3). Boonen was also extremely successful in other Flemish Classics, winning three editions of Tour of Flanders, 3x Gent Wevelgem, 5x E3 Saxo Classic, and more. With this experience, Boonen believes his contribution could be crucial to the tactical aspect of Belgian team's spring campaign.

Boonen was later asked to clarify these statements during an appearance on Sporza's Cycling Club's Wattage podcast, again repeating that no negotiations had taken place at this time:

"No, not at all. Het Nieuwsblad asked me if I was interested in doing it and I didn't say I wanted to come back anyway. But I did say that if there is a time within the last few years, it is now. A new start is possible," he added.

Soudal - Quick-Step's moves so far in the cycling market have been quite promising in the dream to reign again in the spring classics. Dylan van Baarle and Jasper Stuyven will join the 'Wolfpack' from January 1, 2026.

However, Tom Boonen suggested that his future cobbled classics leader is already a part of the team. Paul Magnier is enjoying an outstanding second season with the team, including 13 wins, and 7 in his last 9 race days.

"It looks like they're not going to give up their core. They have Paul Magnier, and he should be able to win Classics. I think they can take steps towards the former Quick-Step in the next two or three years," concluded Tom Boonen on the future of Soudal's 21-year-old French talent.