"We just want this sh*t to stop and want to continue as Soudal Quick-Step" - Ilan van Wilder's statement following Tre Valli Varesine win

Ilan van Wilder became the first Belgian since Eddy Merckx to win Tre Valli Varesine, and simultaneously he managed to beat Tadej Pogacar, Primoz Roglic and plenty others. He was naturally asked then about Soudal - Quick-Step and had quite a sharp response.

Van Wilder responded to the main attacks in the favourite group, and then managed to escape with 9 kilometers to go unexpectedly. “I actually just wanted to pick up the pace. But when I saw that I had a gap, I decided to keep going towards the finish," he explained in a post-race interview. What followed was a mix of brilliant legs and tactics on the day, he attacked at the right time and took advantage of the doubts in the chasing group to then ride into the win. "My team leader Davide Bramati went completely crazy in the support car. He told me I had to do a time trial to the finish. And that's what I did.”

It was a very strong win which will give van Wilder certainly more freedom this weekend at Il Lombardia, where he should share the leadership with Remco Evenepoel. Soudal - Quick-Step are currently in a very particular situation as they may merge with Jumbo-Visma, but as part of the team, the Belgian had a clear message.

“I dedicate this victory to all my teammates. We just want this shit to stop and want to continue as Soudal Quick-Step. We are strong enough ourselves," he said. He holds a contract with the team and his own personal goals however it's unknown how his future will look like. Either ways, this is a victory that sees his season finale become quite successful.