Soudal – Quick-Step have seen Remco Evenepoel do a perfect Tour de France this year, which resulted in a stage win and spot in the final podium alongside Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Could he repeat the same next year? Perhaps, but he might have to share leadership duties alongside Tim Merlier according to Patrick Lefevere…Read more

Soudal – Quick-Step enjoyed a successful Tour de France campaign this year, highlighted by Remco Evenepoel’s standout performance. Evenepoel secured an impressive stage victory and earned a prestigious place on the final podium beside Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, proving his mettle in the world’s most famous cycling race. As anticipation builds for next year, the question on everyone’s mind is: can Evenepoel repeat this feat?

Team manager Patrick Lefevere recently hinted that Evenepoel’s role in the next Tour might be different, with a potential shared leadership structure alongside Tim Merlier, a powerhouse sprinter on the team. Lefevere’s comments suggest that Soudal – Quick-Step is looking at ways to capitalize on the team’s diverse strengths. Evenepoel’s climbing prowess and time-trial capabilities make him an ideal leader for mountainous stages and general classification (GC) pursuits, but Merlier’s expertise could add a new dynamic. Merlier, known for his sprinting capabilities, brings a different tactical angle, offering opportunities for stage wins on flatter routes where pure sprinters excel.

This possible dual leadership could give Soudal – Quick-Step a unique advantage. With Evenepoel focusing on GC, Merlier could add a strong presence in the sprints, allowing the team to target stage wins across a wider range of terrains. However, such a setup might present challenges. Sharing leadership duties could mean a more complex strategy, potentially pulling resources in different directions. For Evenepoel, who thrives with a dedicated team focus, adapting to a shared role might require balancing ambitions with cooperation.

If Evenepoel continues his current form, there’s little doubt he’ll remain a GC favorite, but Lefevere’s vision hints at a multi-faceted approach. By incorporating Merlier’s strengths, Soudal – Quick-Step could increase their impact in various Tour stages, potentially shifting from a GC-focused strategy to a more balanced one. This approach may provide Soudal – Quick-Step with a versatile edge, keeping them competitive across different types of stages while giving both riders room to shine.

Whether Evenepoel and Merlier can harmonize their ambitions remains to be seen, but Lefevere’s plan signals Soudal – Quick-Step’s ambition to make a major mark on next year’s Tour de France.