Future of Soudal QuickStep in danger, after major loss from sponsor, despite Remco Evenepoel’s success

Belgian Remco Evenepoel has shown excellent physical form, evidenced by an outstanding performance at the Figueira Champions Classic in Portugal, where he stood out with a relentless solo attack. A few days later, the Belgian champion made a great performance at Alto da Foia, but was overtaken at the last minute by Daniel Felipe Martinez.

Belgian journalist surrenders to Evenepoel’s talent

The performance of cycling athletes has been impressive, especially the resistance of phenomena like Evenepoel. “He has the endurance of an entire platoon,” said Michel Wuyts, in his column in the newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. “A true fighter. He stumbles, but recovers and counterattacks. His 51-kilometer solo race at the Figueira Champions Classic was proof of his ability.”

Over the past four months, Evenepoel has been largely responsible for keeping the Soudal QuickStep team together and competitive. His self-confidence and ability to lead a team has inspired and enchanted many. “I see a champion with more and more characteristics of Eddy Merckx. Relentless, hard-headed and extremely confident,” says Wuyts.

Remco Evenepoel should win the Volta ao Algarve

Wuyts believes that Evenepoel will win the Volta ao Algarve for the third time next Sunday and even predicts the cyclist’s victory in Paris-Nice. However, there is concern regarding Evenepoel’s future at Soudal QuickStep.

Loss of 440 million Euros in the main sponsor

There are reported problems between Evenepoel, his father and Patrick Lefevere, the cycling team manager, but the concerns go beyond that. Evenepoel’s contract with the team lasts until 2026, but the question remains whether current sponsors will be able to maintain financing until then. Mohawk, the company that controls QuickStep, the team’s main sponsor, recorded a net loss of $440 million in the last quarter.

Given this scenario, the question that remains is: will the company be able to maintain its sponsorship of cycling even in the face of so many financial losses? In March 2025, Lefevere must meet with sponsors to clarify the situation.