Fact of the day: @k_asgreen’s runner-up spot was our team’s 100th top 3 finish at the Tour de France! #TDF2023 #WayToRide Photo: @GettySport
Patrick Lefevere confirms “It is true that we are talking to Mikel Landa" as Soudal - Quick-Step look to strengthen climbing ranks
CyclingSaturday, 22 July 2023 at 12:30
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."
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Convicted of? Didn't need to be convicted. He confessed. But he was guilty of fraud, racketeering, bribery, drug smuggling, threating witnesses, and extortion.Sweep22-11-2024
- And Lance is regularly at his side. I want to puke each time I see them together.dabman21-11-2024
- WADA had no issues with looking the other way when Lance tested positive. Sorry WADA but you lack credibility.dabman21-11-2024
- Disappointing that his agent could get him €40m/yr.Front24221-11-2024
- Its actually simple, He had just signed a contract earlier in the year. but He wanted more money and possibly support. So he leftabstractengineer21-11-2024
- He just missed Peter Sagan 🙄
James2631821-11-2024 - The route looks kinda like a rat, or some other of that sort. To me, if you flip it a bit. Or maybe its the time, ocd.Stitz21-11-2024
- Total Energies necessarily mean a lot just all they got. Insert Scotty's voice here.Sweep21-11-2024
- Demi Vollering to FDJVgnRider20-11-2024
- We all know where Bjarne Riis' cycling talent came from.
santiagobenites20-11-2024