Tim Declercq will no longer be seen wearing the Soudal Quick-Step colors from next year. The news was reported by the Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws. According to the newspaper, “El Tractor,” as Declercq is known for his ability to maintain high intensity for extended periods, has signed a contract with Lidl-Trek (although the official announcement by the American team has not yet happened).
Declercq, at the age of 34, is in his seventh season with Patrick Lefevere’s team. He joined the team from Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise in 2016. At Soudal Quick-Step and its predecessors, he was especially valuable as a key domestique in the lead-out train. The cyclist also had an offer from AG2R Citroën, according to the Belgian newspaper, but he is said to have chosen Lidl-Trek.