Remco Evenepoel’s move to Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe has brought one of cycling’s most intriguing partnerships to an end. After years of speculation and internal tension, the Belgian has left Soudal – Quick-Step — a decision that, according to Axel Merckx, was always going to happen.
“This marriage was destined to end in separation. I think both sides got out of it what they could,” Merckx told La Dernière Heure.
Evenepoel’s time at Quick-Step delivered huge success: a Vuelta a España victory, two World Championship time trial titles and a string of one-week stage race wins. Yet, Merckx believes the signs of an eventual split had been visible for some time. “From certain statements and intentions, it was clear that a departure was being prepared,” he said. “The team evolved – and so did Remco’s ambitions.”
For Merckx, one key moment came when the team’s leadership passed from long-time boss Patrick Lefevere to Jurgen Foré following the former’s retirement. “That was a clear signal of change,” he said. “The structure became different, and the project that had been built around Remco took on a new shape. In the long run, a split was inevitable.”“Quick-Step simply doesn’t have a tradition of riding for Grand Tours”
Whether Evenepoel could have achieved his ultimate goal — winning the Tour de France — with Soudal Quick-Step is something Merckx doubts. “Without Vingegaard and Pogacar, he might already have done it,” he admitted. “But Quick-Step simply doesn’t have a tradition of riding for Grand Tours. That’s a fact – and it probably won’t ever change.”
According to Merckx, Evenepoel’s switch to a team more experienced in stage racing was always the logical next step. “I never believed Remco would spend his whole career at Quick-Step,” he said. “His ambition to win all three Grand Tours fits better with teams like Red Bull, Visma or INEOS. That’s where he’ll find the benchmarks he needs.”
Evenepoel now begins a new chapter in the colours of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe, while Soudal – Quick-Step prepares for life without the rider who brought it a Grand Tour title for the first time. And as Merckx suggested, this was no sudden rupture — just the inevitable conclusion to a relationship that had already run its course.