Stijn Steels solution to Soudal Quick-Step's struggles - "They will just have to start from scratch"

The outcome of Paris-Roubaix was another disappointment for Patrick Lefevere's team, and Stijn Steels, who had been a member of the Belgian team for the past three seasons before retiring in December last year, has some suggestions for his former colleagues.

"It's a shame. And I find it hard to explain. They ride super well in the Basque Country, Remco's team is running well, but the classic spring is not good,” he told Sporza. He continues, "If you look at the names individually, they are really good drivers. You always think it will be good next time. But they will just have to start from scratch, I think."

In his opinion, the most effective method for resolving the issue would be to engage all employees, from junior trainees to high-ranking executives. "They should sit down with everyone from the staff, riders, trainers, everything... And see: 'What is actually going on? Where can we improve? How are we going to handle it differently?"

"They will have to adjust the race strategy a bit. What speaks to them is that they still have the status of a classic team. Anticipating is very difficult for them. It is still: Quick Step attacks, everyone in the wheel. But that's how they should do it, because they don't have one of those three,” concluded Steels.