"It will be really strange when I leave the team" - Tim Declercq gives goodbye to Soudal Quick-Step

After seven years of loyal service, a new adventure awaits Tim Declercq. The Belgian from Soudal-Quick Step will switch into the colours of the American team Lidl-Trek from the new year, where he has signed a two-year contract. Through a video message from his current employer, El Tractor looks back on his time at Quick Step, but above all: where does that nickname come from?

Declercq is still known for his extensive work at the head of the bunch. But his trademark already stood out in 2017, riding for Quick Step-Floors. Immediately after his first race his nickname was born. 'El Tractor'. That's right, a Spanish nickname. It was the Argentinians who came up with it.

"I didn't even hear it," the rider in question said in the video. "But our PR man heard it on Argentinian television, that people were singing El Tractor. He then asked if I was okay with it. But I thought it was a nice nickname, so it was born from my first race in the team."

But now the loyal helper is heading to a new team at the age of 34. "It will be strange to leave the team after seven years. I had some great moments during those years. And of course built a good connection with everyone. And in those seven years I also made friends, so it will be really strange when I leave the team."