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Soudal Quick-Step is gearing up for an ambitious dual-pronged campaign at the 2025 Tour de France, with Remco Evenepoel targeting the general classification (GC) and Tim Merlier aiming for sprint victories. The team unveiled its eight-rider roster, which includes a mix of experienced support riders and Tour de France rookies, as they prepare to tackle what is arguably the most challenging and prestigious race in professional cycling.
### Evenepoel’s GC Ambitions
Remco Evenepoel, who impressed with a third-place finish in his Tour de France debut last year, will once again be the centerpiece of Soudal Quick-Step’s GC hopes. Despite a setback earlier this year when he was injured in a training accident, the 25-year-old Belgian remains focused on delivering a strong performance.
“I think it’s obvious that I’m aiming for a good general classification,” Evenepoel stated. “The most important thing will be to not lose time in the first half of the race, which should be a very nervous one, with lots of traps and tricky roads.”
Evenepoel’s cautious optimism comes after a difficult Critérium du Dauphiné, where he faced a reality check. However, his pedigree as an Olympic, world, and Belgian time trial champion positions him as a formidable contender, especially in the early 33km time trial, where he could gain valuable time on his rivals before the grueling mountain stages.
“Just like last year, I want to win a stage there and do a good GC, while taking it one day at a time,” Evenepoel added. Despite his measured approach, the expectation for Evenepoel remains high: it’s win or bust for the talented Belgian.
### Merlier’s Sprint Challenge
On the other end of the spectrum, Tim Merlier will be Soudal Quick-Step’s ace in the sprint stages. With 10 victories already in the 2025 season, Merlier is the most successful sprinter in the WorldTour this year. However, he will face stiff competition from the likes of Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) and Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), both of whom will have dedicated leadout trains to support them.
Merlier won’t have the luxury of a full leadout train, relying instead on the experience of Bert van Lerberghe, his trusted sprint chaperone, to navigate the chaotic final kilometers and position him for victory. The challenge will be significant, but Merlier’s form and consistency make him a serious contender for stage wins.
### The Supporting Cast
Soudal Quick-Step’s roster for the Tour de France includes a mix of seasoned riders and newcomers. Mattia Cattaneo, Pascal Eenkhoorn, Max Schachmann, and Ilan van Wilder will provide crucial support for Evenepoel in the mountains and on the flat stages. Additionally, Tour de France rookies Valentin Paret-Pintre and Bert van Lerberghe will be looking to make their mark in their maiden appearances.
The team’s composition reflects a balance of experience and youthful energy, but it lacks the “superdomestiques” that other teams like UAE Team Emirates, Jumbo-Visma, and Alpecin-Deceuninck boast. This could prove to be a disadvantage in the high-pressure environment of the Tour, where strong support riders can make the difference in both GC and sprint battles.
### The Team’s Outlook
Soudal Quick-Step’s sports director, Tom Steels, expressed confidence in the team’s potential. “We have a strong and experienced team, capable of some nice things this summer, and so we start with a lot of confidence,” he said.
However, the reality is that the 2025 Tour de France will be dominated by “super teams” with deep rosters and multiple leaders. Soudal Quick-Step’s strategy of chasing both GC and sprint success is ambitious, particularly without the depth of support that rivals like Jumbo-Visma (with Wout van Aert) or UAE Team Emirates (with João Almeida) can deploy.
### Key Challenges
For Evenepoel, the primary challenge will be staying consistent throughout the race, particularly in the first week, which is expected to be fraught with nervous racing and technical sections. His ability to perform in the time trial and the high mountains will be critical to his GC aspirations. The absence of Mikel Landa, who is sidelined due to injury, leaves Evenepoel without a key climbing domestique, potentially making his task even harder.
For Merlier, the challenge lies in overcoming the lack of a dedicated leadout train. While he has consistently proven his ability to win from various positions, the highly organized sprint trains of Lidl-Trek and Alpecin-Deceuninck could make it difficult for him to secure stage victories.
### Conclusion
Soudal Quick-Step is entering the 2025 Tour de France with a bold and ambitious strategy, aiming for success in both the general classification and the sprint stages. Remco Evenepoel’s GC bid and Tim Merlier’s sprint prowess provide the team with two clear avenues for success. However, the lack of superdomestiques and the dominance of rival super teams present significant challenges.
As the Tour unfolds, the “Wolf Pack” will need to rely on teamwork, strategy, and individual brilliance to achieve their goals. Whether they can compete on two fronts remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the 2025 Tour de France will be a true test of Soudal Quick-Step’s mettle.
