Remco Evenepoel transfer causes a stir as Soudal - Quick-Step hunt management staff

As the cycling world hits August and the transfer window opens, all eyes are on one deal: Remco Evenepoel’s highly anticipated move from Soudal – Quick-Step to Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. While it’s yet to be officially announced, insiders like Daniel Benson and Ciro Scognamiglio reported last month that the deal is effectively sealed. The delay in confirmation appears to be strategic, but the implications for the rest of the peloton are already beginning to unfold.

Evenepoel’s transfer isn’t just about swapping jerseys, as the Belgian star is bringing with him a significant support structure to the German team. Former Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout has already been named as the new sporting manager at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, replacing Rolf Aldag. But Vanthourenhout isn’t arriving alone.

Among the staff joining him are Mattia Cattaneo, a trusted teammate of Evenepoel’s; Klaas Lodewyck, his long-time team manager; physio David Geeroms; and mechanic Dario Kloeck. It's a sweeping shift of personnel that underscores how central Evenepoel’s environment is to his performance. The exit of Lodewyck, in particular, stings for Soudal – Quick-Step. He’s been one of the key figures behind the scenes during Evenepoel’s rise.

Evenepoel himself experienced a difficult Tour de France last month, despite winning a stage and the wearing the white jersey. The double Olympic champion suffered three torrid days in the Pyrenees before abandoning, as it became clear that his injury-hit off-season was coming back to haunt him.

Back to the transfer market, and the Belgian team is already planning a response. HLN reports that Maarten Wynants has been approached to join the WorldTeam under Jurgen Foré. Wynants is a former rider and long-time member of the Team Visma | Lease a Bike setup, dating back to the Rabobank era, and previously spent several seasons racing for Quick-Step between 2007 and 2010. However, despite his past ties, Wynants has chosen to remain at Visma for now.