Remco Evenepoel confirmed to battle for Vuelta a Espana win - No van Wilder in Soudal - Quick-Step lineup

Soudal - Quick-Step have revealed their lineup for the Vuelta a Espana. Remco Evenepoel will be leading the team's ambitions as he looks to defend his title obtained in 2022.

He will have to do so without his right-hand man Ilan van Wilder who has recently talked about how he does not want to set his career to be a domestique. This is a tough hit for Evenepoel as the Belgian was the most consistent and powerful climber in the team outside of the Belgian. Evenepoel will have very modest mountain support against the likes of Jumbo-Visma, INEOS Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates, but carries good form after victories at the Clásica San Sebastián and time-trial World Championships.

In the climbs he will hope for the support of Mattia Cattaneo, Louis Vervaeke, Jan Hirt and James Knox. The latter two rather inconsistent, but could prove vital if they find their best legs. Experienced road captain Pieter Serry will be on board, Andrea Bagioli may be good support in the explosive hilly days as is Casper Pedersen who will likely be the main supporter on the flat finales.

Soudal - Quick-Step for Vuelta a Espana:

Andrea Bagioli, Mattia Cattaneo, Remco Evenepoel, Jan Hirt, James Knox, Casper Pedersen, Pieter Serry and Louis Vervaeke.