After seven successful seasons with the
Soudal - Quick-Step set-up, Remi Cavagna will ride in
Movistar Team colours in 2024. Before his departure though, the 28-year-old has sent a heartfelt farewell message to the Wolfpack.
“When I joined the squad in 2017, I came there after a solid spell with the Klein Constantia team, where I had a great time. I knew nothing about cycling back then, but the staff of the devo team helped me find my place and learn, which was of great use as I progressed," Cavagna recalls. "Then, when I travelled to Denia for the first training camp with the big team, I was overwhelmed to realise that I was on the same squad as
Julian Alaphilippe,
Tom Boonen or
Philippe Gilbert. It was something formidable for me, a 21-year-old."
Over the course of his time at Quick-Step, Cavagna took many personal successes. "One of the most important moments of these past seven years was my victory at the Tour of California," he notes. "I was on the attack from the beginning, then I dropped my companion with more than 80 kilometres to go and won by seven or eight minutes. It was my first World Tour success and I can say that everything changed after California. Thinking about it now, I can say that is one of my finest wins, alongside the Vuelta stage I got in Toledo in 2019 and the National Championships, two years ago."
"It makes me emotional to think about all the great moments I had in the Soudal Quick-Step team, there were so many beautiful races and unforgettable wins with the guys. If I am to name just one, that would be the 2019 Vuelta a España," continues Cavagna. "That was a crazy race! We took five victories, we were in the thick of the action on that insane day to Guadalajara, when we averaged 52km/h and Philippe took the win after what was the fastest stage in the race’s history. It was just fantastic."
Although he is excited to join Movistar, the departure from Soudal - Quick Step leaves Cavagna with a tinge of regret. "I know that I will miss everybody, from riders to staff, because as I’ve already said many times in the past, the Wolfpack is and will forever by my second family, but this is cycling. I am sad to leave, but I want to thank everyone here and tell them I will look forward to seeing them on the road next year.”
