Monuments king Tom Boonen reveals just how close he was to leaving Soudal - Quick-Step: "They came to me very hard to get my services"

Few riders are as closely linked to a single team as Tom Boonen is to Soudal – Quick-Step. The 44-year-old Belgian spent almost his entire professional career under the guidance of Patrick Lefevere, building a legacy that made him one of the greatest Classics riders of all time.

However, Boonen has now revealed that in 2007, he came very close to leaving Quick-Step for a move to T-Mobile, a decision that could have completely altered the trajectory of his career.

Speaking on the Wielerclub Wattage podcast, Boonen admitted that the German team made a serious effort to sign him. "In 2007, T-Mobile came to me very hard to get my services," he revealed.

The offer was particularly tempting, as it not only included a big contract but also allowed him to bring six to eight riders with him. Despite the opportunity, Boonen ultimately chose to stay at Quick-Step, convinced that the team culture at T-Mobile would not suit him. "I think I would have been very badly grounded, with the German mentality," he admitted.

Boonen’s decision proved to be the right one, as he went on to further cement his legendary status in cycling over the following years. His career, which spanned from 2003 to 2017, was defined by dominance in the cobbled Classics, sprinting brilliance, and a monumental list of achievements.

A rider with both raw speed and immense endurance, Boonen was a force in Grand Tours as well as one-day races. He won the Tour de France green jersey in 2007, taking six stage victories in total at the race. He also won two stages in the Vuelta a España, showing his versatility across different race formats. However, his true legacy lies in his Classics record, where he was virtually unmatched during his peak years.

The 2005 World Champion, Boonen became a true icon in Belgium’s biggest one-day races. He won the Tour of Flanders three times and achieved a record-equalling four victories in Paris-Roubaix, putting him alongside the greatest names in the history of the sport. His dominance in the cobbled Monuments made him a hero to Belgian fans, and his aggressive racing style earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting riders of his generation.

Had Boonen made the move to T-Mobile, cycling history could have been very different. Quick-Step was built around Classics success, whereas T-Mobile was more focused on Grand Tour racing.

The tactical differences between the two teams could have drastically changed Boonen’s opportunities and possibly even his results. Instead, by staying at Quick-Step, he remained in a structure perfectly suited to his strengths, allowing him to thrive in the races that defined his career.

Now looking back on his decision, it’s clear that Boonen made the right call. His career with Quick-Step became one of the most successful partnerships in modern cycling history, and his place in Belgian cycling folklore is firmly secured.