\nA structure built to last \u2013 and still improving<\/p>\n
While much of the cycling world spent 2025 debating whether Alpecin-Deceuninck were entering a period of transition, the Roodhoofts have made it clear that the opposite is true. Their season spanned wins across the road, cyclocross, gravel and track, but the duo insist the real achievement lies behind the scenes.<\/p>\n
Philip explained: \u201cI think our contribution is actually quite big. There is something standing now \u2014 a machine running on automatisms, in which we all lift each other to a higher level.\u201d<\/p>\n
Christoph emphasised the importance of the internal environment: \u201cWithin the whole working atmosphere, we make sure everyone feels good in their skin and we cultivate the right balance. We expect a lot, but we also let things run fairly freely.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is that balance \u2014 ambitious but never suffocating \u2014 that they believe has become their greatest strength.<\/p>\n
A sponsor exit? \u201cAnd then?\u201d<\/p>\n
The most immediate storyline surrounding the team has been the departure of co-sponsor Deceuninck. <\/p>\n
Externally, it sparked predictable whispers about instability.\u00a0Internally, the Roodhoofts remain completely unfazed.<\/p>\n
Christoph put it bluntly: \u201cOf course it\u2019s not pleasant when a sponsor leaves. But at the same time we think: \u2018and then?\u2019 We keep working, we stay busy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Philip sees the bigger picture: \u201cEverything that has already been renewed or will be renewed puts that expiring sponsor contract a bit in the shade.\u201d<\/p>\n
In other words: the foundations are solid, and the long-term plan remains intact.<\/p>\n
Stronger after the transfer window \u2014 not weaker<\/p>\n
Plenty has been made of the number of riders leaving, but the brothers\u2019 response was telling: relief that someone finally saw it differently. \u201cSomeone who sees it!\u201d Christoph joked when told the squad looked strengthened, not depleted.<\/p>\n
He elaborated: \u201cWe actually feel we\u2019ve come out of the transfer period better. Cheaper and stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n