"This is really a story where no one wins. Not Remco, not Patrick Lefevere and not father Evenepoel" - Stijn Steels critical of Evenepoel drama and its timing

On the eve of the World Championships road race, Remco Evenepoel's father sent the Belgian media into a frenzy with his comments, hinting his son may leave Soudal - Quick-Step. Team boss Patrick Lefevere was quick to respond and even Remco himself was forced to comment on the drama.

Stijn Steels rode for Soudal - Quick-Step and Patrick Lefevere for three years at the end of his career and he believes the timing of the comments from Evenepoel senior were not wise. "I already don't understand that these kinds of statements have to be made in the press, but I don't understand the timing at all," says Steels. "A day before the most important race of the year, that is just bizarre."

"It will not have had much impact on the result of the World Championship, but the influence may be greater on the Vuelta," he thinks, referencing the fact that Evenepoel lost the Rainbow Jersey to Mathieu van der Poel in Glasgow. "Since the Giro the entire team has been working towards the Vuelta. Riders are constantly on training camps and stuff and suddenly someone makes it seem that it's not all perfect. This is really a story where no one wins. Not Remco, not Patrick Lefevere and not father Evenepoel."

It isn't just the timing from Evenepoel senior however, the message itself grates at Steels. "He himself says: 'a contract is a contract'. That's where you actually have to stop the sentence. You shouldn't make it much more difficult," he laments. "Soudal - Quick-Step will have a very good team next year and in two years the team may be even better. Building a team and gathering knowledge takes time. You can't blame the team for that."