WielerFlits report that, despite already having three sprinters with Tim Merlier, Paul Magnier and Alberto Dainese contracted for 2027, Soudal – Quick-Step have expressed interest in the Belgian sprinter’s services. However HLN believe that Alpecin-Premier Tech is a team which could become Meeus’ new destination as their second sprinter Kaden Groves could be on the way out. Then it’s easy to see Meeus as a one-for-one replacement with added sponsor value for the Belgian team.
There is a rather good match between Meeus – who doesn’t require a dedicated sprint train to deliver results & offers added value as a back-up leader for cobbled classics – and Red Bull at the moment, however there is another rider on the market who seems almost destined to wear the beverage company’s logo on his chest; Arnaud De Lie.
Nicknamed “The Bull from Lescheret”, it’s only natural were his career paths to cross with Ralph Denk’s formation, and it surfaces that the German team is indeed pushing for the signature of De Lie.
Speaking of Groves, his future remains open at the moment, although a contract extension at Alpecin-Premier Tech seems to be an option, in particular if Meeus were to head to another house.