Soudal-QuickStep experienced a setback during the Tour de France with Remco Evenepoel abandoning stage 14 after struggling on the Col du Tourmalet. Initially aiming for General Classification and stage victories, the team is now faced with limited sprint opportunities. Sports director Tom Steels noted Evenepoel's lack of form and the wisdom of prioritizing recovery over continuation. Team members quickly adapted to the change, receiving instructions to race independently rather than assist Evenepoel. Their aspirations have diminished considerably with his departure.
"It was clear on the road that he didn't feel the best, you hope things turn on the road, and it didn't turn," said Soudal sports director Tom Steels.
"He didn't have the legs to suffer also, so I think it's wiser not to continue, just recover well," Steels said.
"He dropped quite early on Tourmalet, and then we heard in the radio that we got the green light, Schachmann, me and [Valentin] Paret-Peintre to do our own race," Ilan Van Wilder explained.
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