"Julian and Kasper are riders you say goodbye to with a heavy heart" - Patrick Lefevere reveals ups and downs of Quick-Step's transfer window

In his latest column, Patrick Lefevere takes on the subject of Soudal - Quick-Step transfer period. The traditional World Tour formation seemingly mostly lost this winter, with long-time leaders Julian Alaphilippe and Kasper Asgreen setting off on a new adventure.

For example, the Soudal - Quick-Step tells Het Nieuwsblad readers that Wolfpack was also interested in the brothers Mick and Tim van Dijke, who are moving to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. "Very talented riders, with whom we also sat around the table. When we approached that type of rider in the past, it was almost automatic yes. Now, after a good conversation, they sign for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. Without any reproach towards them. They played it correctly," according to Lefevere.

The Belgian team also found couple new reinforcements, but it's not exactly what the team looked for, even if the manager won't confirm that out loud. "So we missed a few targets, but with Pascal Eenkhoorn, Dries Van Gestel and Ethan Hayter the spring team for next year has been strengthened," continued the Belgian.

He also mentions that next to Julian Alaphilippe and Jan Hirt who have already announced their new teams, Kasper Asgreen and Fausto Masnada will also change colours next year. "I spoke to Kasper in Lisbon at the start of the Vuelta. I put my opinion on the table: for me, the performances were no longer in proportion to the pay. He was prepared to make concessions, but we did not reach an agreement. Julian and Kasper are riders you say goodbye to with a heavy heart."

And then there was the departing Hirt, about whom Lefevere was less complimentary. The same applied to Masnada, who can also seek his fortune elsewhere. "With other riders it is a very businesslike no-brainer. In that category is Fausto, with whom we have had very little pleasure. That had a lot to do with injuries, but also with his headstrong racing behaviour. At Lombardia 2021 he was really good, but he ignored the instructions of Davide Bramati by riding full-on with Tadej Pogacar. It is also a shame for Jan. Of course he has every right to cash in his eighth place in the Giro with Israel - Premier Tech, but his explanation was strange. 'I want to stay, but my agent sees it differently'. Well, I thought it was the riders who decided their own future," the Belgian emphasizes.