Soudal - Quick-Step sign breakthrough 2024 climber to support Remco Evenepoel in the mountains
Cycling
It was a transfer in the making for several months. Soudal - Quick-Step are in search of strong and pure climbers to support Remco Evenepoel in the Grand Tours and upon his breakthrough this year, Valentin Paret-Peintre became a widely desired climber. The Belgian team has made the signing official this Wednesday.
“We’ve been following Valentin for some time and we were impressed by his work ethic, continuous improvement and results, such as his spectacular Giro d’Italia stage victory," Patrick Lefevere said in a press release. "We are happy he has decided to join us. Valentin is a strong addition to our climbers’ contingent and we are confident he will fit right in and grow in our team.”
Turned pro in 2022, it was only this year that the Frenchman began to show his true colours. He put on a strong supportive ride for Ben O'Connor at the UAE Tour but later on impressed on his own, finishing fourth at the mountainous Tour of the Alps. The Giro d'Italia saw him take another step as he performed very strongly over the entire three weeks; winning stage 10 from a breakaway to Bocca della Selva, second to Tadej Pogacar in the final stage to Bassano del Grappa and being ever-present for Ben O'Connor. He once again did that job for the Australiana the Vuelta a España where he led the race for almost two weeks, often being the last man standing for the red jersey.
“I’m very happy to join the team for the next two years. I’ve always admired this team and watched it write history in some of the biggest races in the world," Paret-Peintre added. "I remember Tom Boonen winning Paris-Roubaix numerous times in this jersey or Philippe Gilbert taking those memorable victories in Roubaix and De Ronde. It’s a legendary team with a lot of history and tradition and I’m proud that I will be part of it in the next two seasons.”
His role will be rather clear, domestique for Remco Evenepoel in the mountains, something that the Belgian team needs if he is to be a true contender to win a Grand Tour with Tadej Pogacar or Jonas Vingegaard who have incredibly impressive all-round teams.
“My goal is to continue to develop and gain experience in stage races, especially from someone like Mikel Landa. I’m also ready to help whenever I will be needed on the climbs. I would like to be one of the strongest guys in the mountains for my team in a race like the Tour de France, which I would like to discover, but I’m also aiming for a top ten in week-long stage races”,
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We’ve finally got our Valentin 💙 Welcome, @Valent1_Paret 🙌
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