"Remco’s transfer could be good for the team in a way" - Evenepoel's departure from Quick-Step gives other leaders more freedom

Valentin Paret-Peintre is a tremendously talented climber and this was recognized by Soudal - Quick-Step who signed him on a long-term contract. Initially set to support Remco Evenepoel in the mountains, the Frenchman now finds himself in a much more free position, where he should have plenty opportunnities from 2026 onwards.c

“I still get goosebumps talking about it. Remco’s departure will inevitably lead to a redistribution within the team," Paret-Peintre shared with La Dernière Heure. A victory at the Tour of Oman's queen stage ahead of Adam Yates and on the Mont Ventoux at the Tour made for a successful season for the 24-year old, who still raced the Dauphiné as a domestique. 

He was initially planned to race the Giro d'Italia as a support rider for Mikel Landa but an injury in the spring prevented him - whilst Landa also abandoned the Corsa Rosa on the opening day. He then raced the Tour but Evenepoel's lack of top form in the mountains meant he didn't have that obbligation.

At the Vuelta a España then Paret-Peintre abandoned with another crash. So in reality, he already had quite a lot of freedom this year, but a climber of his calliber can also potentially aim for results in the stage races - not just as a stage hunter.

“Until this season it was completely normal for him to be our leader in every race he entered. From now on, riders like Ilan van Wilder, Mikel Landa and myself will have to take on more responsibility," he adds, however with excitement.

"Remco’s transfer could be good for the team in a way. It could bring a new wind, allowing other riders to grow and discover themselves in new roles with greater responsibility.” The team is effectively moving onto a different era, with renewed focus on the cobbled classics, the rise of Paul Magnier and the signing of Alberto Dainese (alongside the talent of Tim Merlier) to match Alpecin-Deceuninck in the field of the sprinters.