Imagine a top-tier cycling team suddenly losing its star rider. It’s a scenario that could spell disaster, right? But here’s where it gets intriguing: Valentin Paret-Peintre, a key member of Soudal-QuickStep, believes Remco Evenepoel’s departure to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe might just breathe new life into the Belgian squad. In a recent statement, Paret-Peintre acknowledged that Evenepoel’s move will ‘inevitably reshuffle things’ for the team next season. Yet, he’s quick to point out the silver lining—a shift that could unlock fresh opportunities for riders like himself. Signed last off-season to support Evenepoel in the Tour de France, the French climber, along with teammates Mikel Landa and Ilan Van Wilder, was part of a strategy to bolster the team’s Grand Tour ambitions. And this is the part most people miss: with Evenepoel’s exit, these riders will now have greater freedom to pursue their own goals in 2026, potentially transforming them from supporting acts into leading stars. But here’s the controversial twist: could this change actually make Soudal-QuickStep a more balanced and dynamic team? Or will the loss of their leader leave a void too big to fill? Paret-Peintre seems optimistic, but the cycling world is divided. What do you think? Is this a bold step forward or a risky gamble? Let’s hear your take in the comments!
