Stan Van Tricht has not been offered a new contract at Alpecin-Deceuninck. The 26-year-old from Leuven thus leaves the team of Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel after two years. However, he has found a new home elsewhere, reports WielerFlits.
The classics specialist will race next season in the colors of Soudal Quick-Step. After the unusual saga in which the already announced Edward Planckaert tore up his signed contract and Laurenz Rex was taken on at the last minute from Intermarché-Wanty, the WorldTeam is now full. Van Tricht is taking a step back and will ride in 2026 for the development team of the Belgian outfit.
Van Tricht made his pro debut with Soudal-Quick-Step in 2022
It’s a notable transfer because the development team of Soudal Quick-Step mainly competes in U23 races. Due to the UCI’s mix rule, Van Tricht is also allowed to race for the Soudal Quick-Step WorldTeam, except in WorldTour events. The team has experience with this arrangement. Previously, both Jordi Warlop (2023, also aged 26) and Thomas Pesenti (2025, just turned 26) were under contract with the development squad.
Warlop rode six races with the WorldTeam during his year on the development team, while Pesenti’s count was seven last season. After that single year, the Belgian secured a two-year professional contract with Soudal Quick-Step, whereas the Italian recently signed with Polti-VisitMalta. The step back that Van Tricht is now taking could therefore act as a springboard. Last week, the Leuven native already met his new and former teammates. After all, he made his pro debut at Soudal Quick-Step in 2022.
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Van Tricht won an Italian autumn classic last year – photo: fotopersburo Cor Vos
In the years prior, he was developed by SEG Racing Academy. Last year, he scored his only professional win so far in the Italian Coppa Bernocchi. Previously, he had also finished second in Dwars door het Hageland and the GP Jef Scherens - Around Leuven. His best result last season was an eighth place in the Antwerp Port Epic. Despite that win in the Coppa Bernocchi last year, it wasn’t his best season. Van Tricht was then given another year to prove himself, but he didn’t succeed enough.
Stan Van Tricht| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 | |
| 2022 |
