Sometimes, a change in team lineup can feel like a breath of fresh air, offering new opportunities and shifting the landscape in unexpected ways. And this is precisely what Valentin Paret-Peintre, a rider for Soudal-QuickStep, has pointed out regarding Remco Evenepoel's recent move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe. Paret-Peintre suggests that Evenepoel's departure will inevitably cause a significant reorganization within the Belgian team next season. But here’s where it gets interesting—he also emphasizes the potential benefits that such a transition might bring.
Paret-Peintre, a talented climber from France, was brought into the team last off-season with the specific goal of supporting Evenepoel during the Tour de France, as the team aimed to build a stronger support system around their Grand Tour leader. Yet, with Evenepoel now moving on, the dynamics will change dramatically.
The riders who were initially brought in to serve as climbing domestiques—such as Mikel Landa and Ilan Van Wilder—are likely to enjoy more independence in the upcoming season. Instead of primarily supporting their leader, they will have increased freedom to pursue their own ambitions and race strategies in 2026.
This shift not only influences team tactics but also opens the door for individual riders to showcase their talents in new ways. It’s a reminder of how team compositions and leadership changes can ripple through the cycling world, creating fresh opportunities and challenges alike.
Would you agree that such upheavals might actually boost the overall competitiveness of the sport? Or do you think stability is more beneficial? Feel free to share your thoughts—these debates are what keep cycling lively and engaging.
