“I'm curious about the Wolfpack feeling” – Jasper Stuyven waves goodbye to Lidl-Trek

After twelve years, Jasper Stuyven’s time with Lidl–Trek came to a close on the roads of Paris-Tours, where the Belgian finished ninth in his final race wearing the team’s colors. At 33, Stuyven turns the page on a career chapter that began with the American squad’s very foundations, joining Soudal - Quick-Step for 2026 as the team shifts its identity in the wake of Remco Evenepoel’s departure.

"It was very special to ride my last race for Lidl-Trek. I'd been thinking for a whole week that it would be a special moment," Stuyven told Sporza after the race.

Asked what he’ll miss most, Stuyven admitted the answer was simple. "I'll miss the family atmosphere and the familiar environment immensely. It's unique, although I can't compare it to other teams." Over a decade, he became part of Lidl–Trek’s identity: a rider of loyalty and the occasional flash of brilliance, none more memorable than Milan–Sanremo in 2021. "Of course, that's the biggest victory, and I'm incredibly proud of it. Although I'm also proud of the successes my teammates have achieved, and of the successes I was part of," he said.

For Soudal–Quick-Step, Stuyven’s arrival marks a symbolic return to the team’s classics DNA, a shift from grand tours with Evenepoel to cobbles and one-day racing. Yet for Stuyven himself, the move is less about nostalgia than opportunity. "When my transfer was announced, there was never any resentment. Both the team and I remained very fair to each other. It's a farewell without any bitter feelings."

Why take on a new challenge now? His answer is disarmingly direct. "The opportunity was presented to me, and I was pleased that Jurgen Foré wanted to share my ambitions. He promised me a prominent position in the team, and for me, it was time for a fresh start. It was now or never. So, it was now."

After years defined by loyalty, he now chases renewal. "I'm really looking forward to being part of The Wolfpack," Stuyven added. "Everything is new, but I already know a lot of the guys on the team. I'm curious about the Wolfpack feeling."