🚴♂️Cycling Earthquake: Remco Evenepoel Officially Leaves Quick-Step for Red Bull in Record-Breaking Move
In a move that has shaken the core of the professional cycling world, Remco Evenepoel has officially terminated his contract with Soudal–Quick-Step and will join the Red Bull cycling project in 2026. The announcement, confirmed by trusted insiders early this morning, has sent shockwaves through the peloton, marking what many are already calling the most expensive and high-stakes transfer in cycling history.
Evenepoel, long hailed as the future of the sport, has reportedly signed a “super contract” with Red Bull—one that not only dwarfs the salaries of current top riders but also positions him as the new face of an emerging cycling powerhouse. Financial terms have not been officially disclosed, but multiple sources close to the deal suggest the contract is the most lucrative ever offered to a cyclist, with annual earnings exceeding even those of legends like Tadej PogaÄŤar and Chris Froome at their peaks.
The decision ends months of speculation about Evenepoel’s future. Rumors have swirled since late 2024 about tensions between the Belgian prodigy and the Quick-Step leadership. Despite repeated public affirmations of loyalty, sources reveal that behind closed doors, the relationship between Evenepoel and team manager Patrick Lefevere had grown increasingly strained. The pressure to build a Tour de France-winning squad around Remco proved too much for the aging infrastructure of Quick-Step, and Red Bull’s aggressive entry into pro cycling offered the resources, support, and vision that Evenepoel had been quietly seeking.
Patrick Lefevere, known for his outspoken nature and long-standing leadership of Quick-Step, is said to be devastated by the loss. “He built this team around Remco,” one insider shared. “This wasn’t just a business deal—it was personal. He believed Remco would bring the yellow jersey home for Quick-Step.” Lefevere has yet to comment publicly, but internal sources describe “a deep sense of betrayal” and a looming struggle to rebuild the team’s future identity without its star.
Red Bull, on the other hand, is celebrating a monumental victory. Known for its dominance in extreme sports and Formula 1, the brand is now fully committing to cycling, and signing Evenepoel is a statement of serious intent. This isn’t just about winning races—it’s about creating a new cycling empire. With the infrastructure of Bora-Hansgrohe and Red Bull’s financial muscle, the newly rebranded project is expected to become a formidable force in stage racing and Grand Tours by 2026.
Fans across Europe are reacting with a mix of awe and heartbreak. Belgian cycling forums have erupted, with some calling the move “treason” while others argue that Quick-Step simply couldn’t offer the resources or ambition to match Remco’s talent. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s marketing engine has already kicked into gear, teasing upcoming promotional campaigns and merchandise featuring Evenepoel in the brand’s iconic red and blue.
What this means for the broader landscape of cycling remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the age of Remco at Quick-Step is over, and a new chapter—with bigger stakes, deeper rivalries, and possibly Tour de France domination—is just beginning. With this historic deal, Red Bull has done more than just sign a rider; they’ve redrawn the map of professional cycling.
Stay tuned. The 2026 season will never be the same again.
