Cycling media has been writing for a long time that Remco Evenepoel, who won gold medals in the time trial and road race at the Paris Olympics, will leave Soudal–QuickStep and join Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe.
Although Soudal–QuickStep manager Jorgen Foré insists that the 25-year-old Belgian's current contract is valid until the end of 2026, he intends to buy it out to join the wealthier Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe. Evenepoel was also linked with Ineos Grenadiers, but according to insiders, he made his choice in favor of Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe.
According to Belgian labor laws, Evenepoel must pay one year's salary, and possibly a little more, to leave Soudal–QuickStep a year before his contract ends. The transfer fee has been estimated at seven million euros, which Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe will likely cover as part of a four-year mega-deal that will make Evenepoel the new leader of the German team and a contender for the Tour de France overall victory.
Former professional cyclist and Belgian national team head coach Sven Vanthourenhout, with whom Evenepoel won two golds at the Paris Olympics, will also join the Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe support staff.
Evenepoel has won 64 races, including six stages in Grand Tours. He won the time trial at this year's Tour but abandoned the 14th stage citing injury and poor form.
