Cycling media has been reporting for some time that Remco Evenepoel, who won gold medals in the individual time trial and group stage at the Paris Olympics, will leave Soudal–QuickStep and join Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe.
Soudal–QuickStep boss Jorgen Foré confirmed that the 25-year-old Belgian's current contract runs until the end of 2026, but he intends to buy it out to join the more lucrative Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe. Evenepoel was also linked with Ineos Grenadiers, but according to those in the know, he chose Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe.
Under Belgian labor laws, Evenepoel would have to pay a year's salary and possibly a bit more to leave Soudal–QuickStep a year before his contract ends. The transfer fee has been offered at seven million euros, which Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe is likely to cover as part of a four-year deal that will see Evenepoel become the new leader of the German team and a contender for the overall victory in the Tour de France.
Former professional cyclist and head coach of the Belgian national team Sven Vanthourenhout, with whom Evenepoel won two gold medals at the Paris Olympics, will also join the Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe support team.
Evenepoel has won 64 races, including six stages in Grand Tours. At this year's Tour, he won a time trial but retired on stage 14, citing injury and poor form.
