Quick-Step bring in Casper Pedersen to reinforce team's leadout structure

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Team have reinforced their sprinter setup with Tim Merlier who is set to replace Mark Cavendish. However, with the continuous ambitions for the flat terrain, the team has also put focus on obtaining a rider specifically for the leadouts, and that was Casper Pedersen.

“I have also been impressed by the talents of Casper Pedersen," Patrick Lefevere said. "I think he can look at his countryman Michael Mørkøv, with whom he shares many similar traits and learn a lot from".

Pedersen had been rumoured to be in the move to the Belgian team over the last few weeks, and now it has been confirmed in a two-year deal. Pedersen has ridden for Team DSM since 2019 where his rouleur skills have seen him succeed in his early years, inclusively winning Paris-Tours confirming his talent as a powerhouse who can thrive in the classics but also in the flat stages.

He'll likely be a key domestique for Tim Merlier, as the team is keen on having him eventually replace Michael Morkov as a leadout expert. Morkov's compatriot has been largely absent this year. DSM has also lost Soren Kragh Andersen towards Alpecin-Deceuninck, two of the riders that have marked their 2020 season the most.