“This year we’ve hardly seen each other” – Mikel Landa ‘really sad’ about Remco Evenepoel’s Soudal - Quick-Step exit

Mikel Landa has admitted he is “really sad” about Remco Evenepoel’s impending departure from Soudal - Quick-Step, with the Belgian set to leave the team at the end of the season to join Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe.

The Spaniard, who moved to Quick-Step on Evenepoel’s recommendation ahead of the 2024 season, revealed his disappointment in an interview with Spanish sports daily AS, rueing the fact that the pair had only managed one fully successful year together before injuries derailed their 2025 campaigns.

At the end of 2023, Landa left Bahrain - Victorious to join Soudal - Quick-Step, specifically to strengthen the team around Evenepoel. Almost eleven years his senior, the Basque climber was signed to provide mountain support and experience, helping the Belgian in his Grand Tour ambitions.

That partnership bore fruit at the 2024 Tour de France, where Landa played a crucial role in Evenepoel’s bid for the podium. The Belgian ultimately secured third place overall, his first Tour podium, while Landa’s climbing work was praised as a decisive factor in that success.

But less than a year later, that collaboration is set to come to an abrupt end. Evenepoel, after seven seasons in Quick-Step colours, is moving on to BORA in what is one of the most high-profile transfers in recent years.

For Landa, the timing makes the move particularly difficult to accept. “It makes me really sad,” he said. “I joined Soudal - Quick-Step specifically to support Remco. I really enjoyed his company.”

However, the duo have barely raced together in 2025. Landa was sidelined for months after a heavy crash at the Giro d’Italia, while Evenepoel’s winter preparations were disrupted by injury. “It’s been a bad year for both of us,” Landa admitted. “Remco struggled with his injury and it affected him, and I was out after my crash. This year we’ve hardly seen each other.”

Despite his disappointment, Landa wished his younger team-mate well as he prepares to start a new chapter with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. “In truth we only had that one successful season together,” the 34-year-old continued. “I wish Remco all the very best, and I’m sure he’ll have a strong season ahead.”

Evenepoel’s move brings an end to a significant chapter at Soudal Quick-Step, where he has raced since turning professional in 2019. For Landa, meanwhile, the hope is that he can finally put a full season together in 2026 after a year blighted by setbacks.