It had been in the air for a while, but now it's official: Dylan van Baarle will ride for Soudal Quick-Step next year. The Dutchman has signed a contract with the Belgian team until the end of 2027. This means he is leaving Visma | Lease a Bike after three seasons.
Van Baarle will play an important role in the classics at Soudal Quick-Step. The 33-year-old rider has already earned his stripes there in the past. In 2021, he won Dwars door Vlaanderen in the colors of INEOS Grenadiers, while a year later he claimed victory in Paris-Roubaix for the same team. In that same season, he also finished second in the Tour of Flanders.
In 2023, Van Baarle made a strong impression at then Jumbo-Visma by winning on his very first race day at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Later that year, he also took the Dutch national road race title, but due to injuries and illness, 2023 and 2024 have been less successful. Now Van Baarle is choosing to take the step to Soudal Quick-Step.
Getting back to top form
“I’m incredibly happy to be joining Soudal Quick-Step, a team I’ve followed on TV since I was a kid – especially during the Tom Boonen era," Van Baarle says on his new employer’s website. "It’s a dream come true to be part of the Wolfpack starting next year. From the outside, it seems like one big family, and I’m glad to soon be part of it."
"My goal is to get back to my top level for the classics, and hopefully we'll be competing for the victory. Additionally, I want to support the GC contenders as best as possible in the Grand Tours. And who knows, I might still grab a stage win in a major or smaller tour if the opportunity arises."
Experience
Jurgen Foré, CEO of Soudal Quick-Step, is pleased with Van Baarle’s arrival. "He is a very strong rider, as demonstrated not only by his victories in the classics and time trials but also by his consistently solid performances in the Grand Tours. He brings a wealth of experience, and we are confident that this can make the difference in crucial moments and strengthen our team."
Dylan van Baarle| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2027 | |
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 |
