Jan Hirt and Matteo Malucelli under interest of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team will be undergoing changes in 2023, and as a result they are dipping in the market early on. Tim Merlier is essentially a confirmed signing already, and the team is looking for support on their leaders which are set to remain the same - Jan Hirt and Matteo Malucelli are two names on the list.

It was reported by TuttoBiciWeb that the Belgian team has interest on both riders. As Remco Evenepoel looks to transition towards Grand Tours, one of the targets is reported to be Jan Hirt. The Czech climber is on the form of his life, having won the Tour of Oman this year, besides a stage win and sixth at the Giro d'Italia. He may join Fausto Masnada and Mattia Cattaneo in the support crew in the mountains.

The other name mentioned by the Italian media is exactly an Italian sprinter that's currently without a contract. Matteo Malucelli was part of the now defunct Gazprom-Rusvelo team, but has nevertheless taken two wins this season. He started the years with a win at the Tour of Antalya, but has also taken a strong win at the Giro di Sicilia against World Tour competition. The 28-year old has never raced at World Tour level, however there is a chance he will be leading out the likes of Fabio Jakobsen or Tim Merlier in the future.