In an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca, Mikel Landa evaluated his move from Bahrain Victorious and reported on his first days with his new colleague and captain, the young Remco Evenepoel.
Soudal Quick-Step
“It’s a totally different team than the ones I’ve been on. I was looking for something different, something that would motivate me to continue these years. I found a very open team, who welcomed me very well. It has a different culture. Now let’s hope that, with Remco’s possibilities, they want to compete more for the big guys.”
Relationship with Remco Evenepoel
“In general, there is a good atmosphere. I’m looking to get to know you better, off the bike. He is a normal boy, with a lot of pressure and ambition. But, deep down, a normal person.”
“He is very impulsive, for better or for worse. He doesn’t hide. When he gets angry, he lets it show that he is angry.”
Does Remco ask you for anything?
“We didn’t talk very specifically. We will spend a lot of time together, in meetings before the Tour. Of course, I am a climber and where I can contribute most is in the last ascents.”
Hiring by the team amid merger rumors
“Both Patrick Lefevere and Remco were interested. The first contact was from Patrick, but Evenepoel called me frequently. They made a good impression on me. Their calling encouraged me to take this step. It was between the Tour and the Vuelta.”
Landa revealed what his expectations were, as his signing took place amid rumors of the Soudal Quick-Step merger.
“They kept it very secret. These were important themes. It had to be spoken by those who had to speak.”
“I was oblivious. On the one hand it was good, because I didn’t know anything, but on the other hand I had that uncertainty. It was resolved as we wanted.”