Remco Evenepoel wants to fight for Tour de France win and Soudal - Quick-Step move is possible: "At the moment it is not certain whether that ambition is realistic at Soudal Quick-Step"

Remco Evenepoel is involved in one of the trickiest negotiating situations in pro cycling. Just recently he's called transfer rumours out of Soudal - Quick-Step "bullshit" however his dad and agent confirms that the possibility does exist and that he is indeed in contact with other teams-

“We first have to wait and see how the team will evolve. Remco wants to stay, but on the condition that he can be competitive in the Tour next year," Patrick Evenepoel told La Derniere Heure. "To be able to compete against Vingegaard and Pogacar, the team must take not one, but four or five steps forward."

2024 will see the debut of the Belgian at the Tour de France, but he will most likely have to contest a very strong Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates, who have collectively been above all other teams at the Tour for the past two editions, with Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar being unmatched by all others in virtually every mountain stage.

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“If everything and everyone around Remco is perfect, he can compete for the overall victory in the Tour. And he wants that too. At the moment it is not certain whether that ambition is realistic at Soudal Quick-Step," Patrick admits, casting back the uncertainty whether Evenepoel will fullfil his contract into 2026. "Maybe within three years, but Remco wants to participate next year.”

The conditions are set strict. Evenepoel wants a strong support crew, Ilan van Wilder currently being the most important piece, it is said that Mikel Landa has already agreed to a move and Laurens de Plus could also be one to take in for the Belgian team. Until now none are confirmed, but he will most likely carry strong support into France next year.

If not, Evenepoel may move out of the team earlier than his contract suggests. “There is interest in Remco, yes, and not just from INEOS," he says, in a way contradicting his son's statements have transmited recently. A move for the next few years is on the table and INEOS Grenadiers are confirmed to be in touch.

"I have already been in contact with five major teams, three of which are very specific. That makes sense, as long as Soudal Quick-Step cannot guarantee that Remco will be able to fight for a Tour win next year.”