INEOS misses out on climber signing and Remco Evenepoel may get a new right-hand man

It has been reported this morning by journalist Daniel Benson that INEOS Grenadiers have not succeeded in their attempts to sign Steff Cras into the World Tour, but that instead the Belgian climber is heading to Soudal - Quick-Step where he could be a new star domestique for Remco Evenepoel.

The transfer season is heating up intensely and with only month and a half until the window opens officially, many deals are being worked on in the background. INEOS Grenadiers at the time being are looking for new riders and deals to boost up the team back into it's past success.

With the news of Caleb Ewan's immediate retiring, the team was once again left without a sprinter and it had also been reported by Benson previously that Sam Welsford could be heading towards the British team. But INEOS want to make a mark, and it is in the Grand Tours that they hope to achieve this in.

For this purpose they have made a big for Steff Cras of TotalEnergies, but this has not moved forward, and instead the 29-year old should move to Soudal - Quick-Step, joining the likes of Evenepoel, Mikel Landa and Valentin Paret-Peintre.

Whilst riddled with injuries, the Belgian - who moved from Lotto to TotalEnergies in search of freedom and leadership in 2023 - has been very consistent and strong in the stage-races. He abandoned the 2023 Tour whilst fighting for the Top10 but bounced back to finish 11th at the Vuelta; Was 16th at the 2024 Tour (fighting for the Top10 until the last days)... His last race this year was at the Vuelta Asturias where he won the opening stage but was forced to abandon the following day. He is currently preparing for a return to the Tour de France and should be amongst the main contenders in the upcoming La Route d'Occitanie.