Patrick Lefevere confirms “It is true that we are talking to Mikel Landa" as Soudal - Quick-Step look to strengthen climbing ranks

As Soudal - Quick-Step continue to try and build more and more of their team around Remco Evenepoel, rumours swirled that Mikel Landa was a possible signing for the team. Now, Patrick Lefevere has confirmed his team are in discussions with the Basque climber.

The 33-year-old has long been considered an elite-level, general classification, Grand Tour rider. Winning three stages of the Giro d'Italia, two stages of the Vuelta a Espana and winning the 2017 King of the Mountains at the Giro alongside two podium finishes mean Landa would be a reputable signing for Soudal - Quick-Step in their aim to boost their climbing ranks.

“It is true that we are talking to Mikel Landa to strengthen the climbing train. We believe in the Remco project, all the rest is bullshit," says the Soudal - Quick-Step boss Lefevere to Het Nieuwsblad, referencing rumours that continue of Evenepoel potentially leaving to join the INEOS Grenadiers. Also rumoured was the departure of Lefevere himself although he denies that to be the case.

"I gave a speech, for the riders and the staff separately. I felt I had to counter all the stories in the press. My message was clear: Guys, trust me. I have been in cycling for forty-one years. When I leave, it won't be through the back door," he continues. "All the stories that are doing the rounds now are unfounded. You could almost see how the tension of the group fell."