Soudal-QuickStep start Classics rebuild with Stuyven

Jasper Stuyven will ride for Soudal-QuickStep in 2026 as the team seek to reboot their Classics ambitions after a number of fallow years on the cobbles. The Belgian joins on a three-year contract after spending the entirety of his professional career to date in the Lidl-Trek set-up.

Stuyven won Milan-San Remo in 2021, and he also triumphed at Omoop Het Nieuwsblad in 2020 and at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne in 2016.

The 33-year-old has formed a strong double-act with Mads Pedersen in the cobbled Classics in recent seasons, and he placed fifth at both the Tour of Flanders and E3 Harelbeke in 2025.

Stuyven also played a key role in Jonathan Milan’s lead-out train, most recently at the Tour de France, where he helped the Italian to the green jersey.

Having dominated the cobbled Classics for many years, Soudal-QuickStep shifted their emphasis in recent seasons as the roster was increasingly built around Remco Evenepoel's GC ambitions.

With Evenepoel reportedly on the cusp of a move to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Soudal-QuickStep are apparently keen to shift their focus back towards the cobbles. Yves Lampaert recently renewed his contract with the team, while Soudal-QuickStep have also been linked with moves for Dylan van Baarle and Edward Planckaert. 

“When I started cycling, this team was one of the first I got to know, and it will be nice to be part of a Belgian centric squad after so many years,” Stuyven said in a statement on Friday. 

“I bring a lot of experience that I will try to pass on to the younger riders, but also for the lead-out trains. Soudal Quick-Step has always been present in the Classics, these races are in the DNA of the team, and that makes me confident for next year, as this team is a perfect fit for me and I’m also a right fit for them. I can’t wait to find my place in this squad. I know how motivated everyone here is for the one-day races and we’ll do our best to be on the top of our game for them.”

“I won a Monument and a couple of cobbled Classics in my career, but if there is one race that remains a goal, it is Paris-Roubaix. That, and winning a stage at the Tour de France.”