The Belgian, currently second overall at the Tour through a week of racing, is under contract with Soudal-QuickStep until the end of 2026, but that hasn't stopped the transfer talk this summer. Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe are again in the frame, with reports earlier this week suggesting negotiations are ongoing with a deal 70-80% complete.

MUR-DE--BRETAGNE, France (AP) — Mattia Cattaneo, a key teammate of Tour de France contender Remco Evenepoel, has withdrawn from the race.

Thus far the Tour has rewarded punchy riders. And while Evenepoel said he ‘really likes’ Friday’s stage and also Tuesday’s leg to Rouen, finishes with ramps to the line, he is excited about what lies ahead.

Evenepoel's former Soudal-QuickStep teammate Gianni Moscon has already moved to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Matteo Cattaneo and several key staff and coaches are expected to move with Evenepoel to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for 2026. Vanthourenhout is the latest part of the puzzle, even if his arrival is not dependent on Evenepoel's eventual signing.

Everyone knew Tadej Pogacar was going to win on the Mûr de Bretagne, but there were still a few fearless riders who tried to make life difficult for the Slovenian from UAE Team Emirates-XRG. After Visma | Lease a Bike set a brutal pace leading into the climb,

Abandon of experienced Tour de France domestique Cattaneo puts extra pressure on Evenepoel and an already underpowered Quick-Step team.

The latest chapter of the long-running saga regarding Remco Evenepoel 's possible signing with Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe for 2026 has seen the CEO of his current team, Soudal-QuickStep flatly deny rumours of a possible buyout of his contract - only for fresh and considerably strengthened claims of the opposite to emerge a few hours later.

Blue smoke bombs, celebrating staff members, and loud cheers at the Soudal Quick-Step hotel. That's how Remco Evenepoel was welcomed after his time trial victory in the Tour de France. The Flemish leader of the Belgian team opened his car door,