Soudal Quick-Step are having a catastrophic classics season, with hardly any results in the one-day races, and perhaps it's time for Patrick Lefevere to take a look at the cycling market if they want to regain their power for 2024.
With Julian Alaphilippe's difficulties with injuries and illnesses since he crashed at Strade Bianche 2022, and the rest of the team's leaders (no Kasper Asgreen or Davide Ballerini, for example), the only one who is up to the task for the Belgian team is Remco Evenepoel.
If they want to get back to being the team they were, they are expected to make moves in this winters' market. There are a number of riders out of contract for 2024 who could improve Quick-Step's performance next season in the cobbles.
Obviously, the jewel in the crown would be Christophe Laporte, not only to get a rider who has more than proved that he is capable of winning any classic, but also to weaken the strongest team at the moment, Jumbo-Visma. There are other options to improve the second unit, which we show you below.
Some classics riders out of contract for 2024:
- Matteo Trentin (UAE Team Emirates)
- Oliver Naesen (AG2R Citroën)
- Christophe Laporte (Jumbo-Visma)
- Nils Politt (BORA - hansgrohe)
- Max Walscheid (Cofidis)
- Ivan Garcia Cortina (Movistar Team)