Promising start for AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step in pursuit of Women’s WorldTour licenses for 2024

The beginning of the season for AG Insurance - Soudal Quick-Step has just commenced, but they've already savoured the sweet taste of victory at Setmana Ciclista Valenciana. Riders were dominant on the podium, securing the GC, one stage win and earning three silver medals to conclude the tour.

The team had hoped to obtain a WorldTour license, but they were defeated by the Belgian team Fenix-Deceuninck. Despite this setback, they will have another opportunity to compete for the top license, and they are approaching it with a greater sense of determination.

“What an incredible start to the season. This team is just so special. That really is all I can say. It was a tactical master class. We are such a power team. We are so united and so strong together. It was incredible seeing Justine take her first pro win. This is only the start of a great season,” Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio told Velonews.

Moolman provided assistance to her teammate Justine Ghekiere as she aimed for the GC title, and she proved her mettle against top competitors like Amanda Spratt and Annemiek van Vleuten. “I was already really happy about that until I realized I had won the general classification too. This team is fantastic and I feel so good. Everyone believes in each other and works for each other. It was not great I took the win away from Ashleigh, but we keep it in the team. We did it,” Ghekiere said after the win.

While the determination of the 15 Women’s WorldTour licenses for 2024 is still a long way off, AG Insurance-Soudal Quick-Step has commenced its bid in a highly promising manner. “The team followed the plan every day to perfection. I am just so proud of these riders and the staff here. I am really looking forward to more,” concluded sports director Jolien D’hoore.