He has already been strongly linked to Soudal Quick-Step in recent weeks, but now the word is out: Laurenz Rex will be part of The Wolfpack starting in 2026. This was announced by Jurgen Foré, the team manager of the Belgian squad, to Het Nieuwsblad.
A few weeks ago, it still seemed likely that the 25-year-old Rex would join Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, pending the merger between Lotto and Intermarché-Wanty (Rex’s current team, where he still holds an active contract). Earlier this month, we already reported that a transfer to the ambitious German team was no longer on the table.
Soudal Quick-Step quickly seized the opportunity to offer Rex a contract. The classics specialist and sprint lead-out rider has since accepted, although the team has yet to make a grand announcement. However, Foré has already confirmed Rex’s arrival in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. “He is also someone who knows lead-out work,” the team boss noted.
Laurenz Rex| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 |
Rex made his professional debut in 2021 for Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB and after two seasons earned the chance to move to Intermarché-Wanty. Riding for this Walloon team, he showed promising performances both for himself and in support of others.
The German Walloon won the spring race Le Samyn—his first pro victory—finished sixth in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and has twice placed in the top 10 at Paris-Roubaix. In recent seasons, Rex has also earned praise as a lead-out rider. At Soudal Quick-Step, he could prove crucial in this role for the new (sprint) leader Paul Magnier.
Intermarché-Wanty is, as expected, missing from the provisional UCI WorldTour license applications list for the upcoming season. Lotto did submit the necessary documents on time. The application is said to be a joint one by the two Belgian teams.
The absence of the registration of the Walloon team means, according to UCI regulations, that riders are allowed to terminate their contracts early. This gave Laurenz Rex the opportunity to look elsewhere and sign with Soudal Quick-Step.
