After the seven-season marriage with the phenomenon Remco Evenepoel, Soudal-Quick Step - the symbolic Belgian team - has begun a new era. Eight new signings, including Jasper Stuyven, winner of the 2021 Sanremo, and Dylan Van Baarle, and the hope of returning to the spotlight.

In the cobblestone classics and sprints with Belgian Tim Merlier, Frenchman Paul Magnier will be present: 33 years old the first, 21 the second. Sports director Iljo Keisse explained during the team's conference: "For the team, and personally, I think Remco's departure is a big loss, but it's better for the group that the extra sporting pressure from Remco has disappeared".

And Ilan Van Wilder added a phrase that well explains the atmosphere: "As a team, we cannot stand still just because a rider has left. I hope we can start a new era". Starting from the 54 victories in 2025 (only UAE of Pogacar did better), of which six came from Evenepoel.

In the team is Tim Merlier, one of the group's symbols: 4 stages at the Giro, 3 at the Tour, Milan's sprint rival. The Belgian hasn't had an easy start to the year and his first race has already been canceled. "Unfortunately, at the moment I'm not talking about races - said the 33-year-old - At the beginning of December, I started having knee pain (after a cyclocross race, ed) and I ended up in a stalemate because the pain returned. I had to stop training a couple of times. Now I no longer have pain and things are going in the right direction, but I still can't keep up with the others in training".

The Belgian was supposed to debut on January 27th at the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, an important appointment where he would have faced Milan: a missed date and, as of today, there is no schedule.

"The knee is improving, but it's still too early to plan a return. There's still a lot of work to do to be in shape to race. I will only race when I get the green light from the medical staff, I hope to debut at Kuurne on March 1st". The Tour de France is also on his program. And regarding coexistence with Paul Magnier, Merlier revealed: "I even gave him some sprint advice. It happened for example after the GP Plouay, when he was too far back. We get along. I also encouraged him to extend the sprint. Just like Jakobsen back then, I prefer Paul as a teammate rather than a rival. And in the long term, the Tour will be open to Paul".