As the cycling world hits August and the transfer window
opens, all eyes are on one deal: Remco Evenepoel’s highly anticipated move from
Soudal – Quick-Step to Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. While it’s yet to be
officially announced, insiders like Daniel Benson and Ciro Scognamiglio reported
last month that the deal is effectively sealed. The delay in confirmation
appears to be strategic, but the implications for the rest of the peloton are
already beginning to unfold.
Evenepoel’s transfer isn’t just about swapping jerseys, as the
Belgian star is bringing with him a significant support structure to the German
team. Former Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout has already been named
as the new sporting manager at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, replacing Rolf
Aldag. But Vanthourenhout isn’t arriving alone.
Among the staff joining him are Mattia Cattaneo, a trusted
teammate of Evenepoel’s; Klaas Lodewyck, his long-time team manager; physio
David Geeroms; and mechanic Dario Kloeck. It’s a sweeping shift of personnel
that underscores how central Evenepoel’s environment is to his performance. The
exit of Lodewyck, in particular, stings for Soudal – Quick-Step. He’s been one
of the key figures behind the scenes during Evenepoel’s rise.
Evenepoel himself experienced a difficult Tour de France
last month, despite winning a stage and the wearing the white jersey. The
double Olympic champion suffered three torrid days in the Pyrenees before
abandoning, as it became clear that his injury-hit off-season was coming back
to haunt him.
Back to the transfer market, and the Belgian team is already
planning a response. HLN reports that Maarten Wynants has been approached to
join the WorldTeam under Jurgen Foré. Wynants is a former rider and long-time
member of the Team Visma | Lease a Bike setup, dating back to the Rabobank era, and previously
spent several seasons racing for Quick-Step between 2007 and 2010. However,
despite his past ties, Wynants has chosen to remain at Visma for now.