Patrick Lefevere confirms “It is true that we are talking to Mikel Landa" as Soudal - Quick-Step look to strengthen climbing ranks
Cycling
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."
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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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
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