Soudal-QuickStep boost Classic ambitions with Terpstra, Vanmarcke and Declercq in key roles

Soudal-QuickStep has appointed former professional riders Niki Terpstra, Sep Vanmarcke, and Tim Declerq to key performance roles among new appointments, while securing contract renewals for multiple staff members ahead of the 2026 season. 

Jurgen Foré, CEO of Soudal-QuickStep, expressed his delight with the new appointments and renewals in the team's official press release on Friday. 

“We are delighted to welcome new faces and continue with our strongholds in the performance group. Each of them brings unique experience, insight and personality that will strengthen our team and provide invaluable support for our riders in their preparation and during the biggest races," said Foré.

Niki Terpstra, who won major classics including the Tour of Flanders (2018), Paris-Roubaix (2014), and E3 Saxo Classic (2018), across eight seasons at the Belgian team from 2011-2018, has been appointed as a sports director. The Belgian team have remarked on the Dutchman's race intelligence, which was key to his major victories alongside his strength, as a key asset for his new role as sports director.

Alongside Terpstra, fellow classics specialist Sep Vanmarcke, former Omloop het Nieuwsblad winner and podium finisher at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, will also join the team as a sports director. Soudal-QuickStep also announced that Vanmarcke will begin his new role with immediate effect and will be present at several races from September. 

Tim Declercq, who recently announced his retirement for the end of the 2025 season, will also return to Soudal-QuickStep after leaving for Lidl-Trek in 2024. After seven seasons as one of the most reliable domestiques in the peloton, 'El Tractor' will perform a new role as a coach for the Belgian team after completing a master's degree in sports science during his final racing years.

Eliot Lietaer, another former professional, who raced predominantly for the then-known Topsport Vlaanderen Baloise team, will join Terpstra and Vanmarcke as a new sports director, focusing on the team's development squad, which will be upgraded to CP1 status next year.

Michel Geerinck, who has worked successfully with incoming rider Jasper Stuyven, and Dimitri Peyskens also join as coaches.

Continuity remains a priority for the Belgian outfit, with several key staff extending their contracts, something which Foré acknowledged the significance of.

“At the same time, renewing the contracts of our key staff ensures continuity and stability. Their knowledge and commitment form the backbone of the Wolfpack. Together with the new arrivals, they give us the strongest possible platform to keep building towards future success," said Foré

"As a team, you win races with strong riders supported by an experienced and diverse performance staff. With these signings, we will continue to lead in performance, training, race tactics and the physical well-being of our riders," he added.

Koen Pelgrim and Frederik Broché will continue leading the coaching department, while Dr Philip Jansen stays as Head of Medical alongside team doctor Toon Cruyt.

In the sports director group, Davide Bramati and Tom Steels have renewed their contracts, with veteran Wilfried Peeters continuing for at least another year. Kevin Hulsmans will increase his involvement with the WorldTour team while maintaining his development team responsibilities.

The team has also secured continued service from Nicolas Coosemans as Head of Technical and Development, physical wellbeing specialist Manu Wemel, and communications director Phil Lowe, completing a comprehensive strengthening of their support infrastructure.