Jan Bakelants reveals concern that could cause Remco Evenepoel problems at the 2025 Tour de France

Former professional Jan Bakelants, who won a Tour de France stage back in 2013, has made an interesting observation that involves some of cycling’s biggest names and the transfer market. Bakelants revealed to HLN that he expected more from Remco Evenepoel’s Soudal – Quick-Step this winter, as he discussed the strength in depth of UAE Team Emirates and Team | Visma Lease a Bike.

"Pogacar keeps all his important teammates, and also at Visma | Lease a Bike, no key riders have left. Instead, they will reinforce their team with know-how and scientific improvements," said Bakelants, who notes Visma’s signing of Simon Yates as a strong move.

"The transfer of the year. And I think it is also useful because he will still bring the ins and outs of the rival from time to time through Adam Yates, it seems to me. But UAE is above it all. Pogacar has more talent than Vingegaard, and the team has more money than its Dutch rival."

Bakelants went on to express his concern at Evenepoel’s support team for next year's Tour de France, "I had thought they would bring in more sponsors to reinforce themselves. Especially with Evenepoel as a two-time Olympic champion. Isn't that a star performer?

“That that doesn't work out inevitably affects the transfer policy at Soudal Quick-Step. Because let's be honest: the arrival of Valentin Paret-Peintre, Ethan Hayter, Maximilian Schachmann, and co. It does not excite us. I remain apprehensive, and probably Remco too," Bakelants concludes critically.

The Belgian revealed another trend he is currently seeing amongst cycling’s biggest names, "An important observation is that the big stars have committed themselves in the classics and stage races for several years. Not only to their teams but also to the bike manufacturers.

"Tadej Pogacar stays with UAE Team Emirates until 2030, Mathieu van der Poel signed a ten-year deal with Canyon, Wout van Aert committed himself for life with Visma | Lease a Bike, and also Remco Evenepoel stayed where he was."