Wuyts claims to know details of an incredible Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe contract offer for Evenepoel

Patrick Lefevere, CEO of 'The Wolfpack', took a shot at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe on Saturday, criticizing their persistence around Evenepoel. However, the Belgian may need to reconsider his principles if he wants to keep his star rider on board through the end of 2026. "With the wealthiest teams scrambling to get him, Evenepoel might now pretty much calls the shots at the cash-strapped Soudal Quick-Step," Wuyts writes pointedly.

And it’s no wonder, as the Belgian journalist reveals that Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe was willing to go to great lengths to secure Evenepoel’s signature. "Make no mistake, a contract was waiting for Evenepoel — ten million per year plus three assistants, including team leader Lodewyck," Wuyts quotes a high-ranking, respected member of the Soudal Quick-Step camp. Lefevere, however, put obstacles in place to prevent the transfer of these key figures and managed to keep Evenepoel by filling part of the financial gap with the decisive contribution of COO Jurgen Foré, in addition to hiring performance manager Frederik Broché.

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According to Wuyts, Evenepoel will now earn five million euros at Soudal-Quick Step. "It sounds like a lot, but given Evenepoel’s second place in the UCI rankings, it’s justified. The amount provides enough basis to approach the Tour project ambitiously and harmoniously — for the next two years, anyway." Wuyts adds, "Would a move to Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe have brought Evenepoel closer to the yellow jersey? At the German team, the reinforcements are Tratnik, Lazkano and Evenepoel’s respected teammate Moscon. Strong tempo riders, race controllers — not climbers. And what would they do with Roglic? The answer leans towards ‘no.’"

When it comes to the Tour de France and his goal to close the gap with Tadej Pogacar, Evenepoel is in a better position at his current team. According to Wuyts, he doesn’t need a full climbing squad to achieve this. Wuyts hopes Lefevere will bring sprinter Tim Merlier along with Evenepoel. "It comes down to the fact that Evenepoel, in order to finish second or third in Paris in ‘25, doesn’t need a complete climbing team. Merlier will also be more than willing to lend a hand as they approach the mountains. Once again, bringing in Merlier is a great move."