With a long-term contract, Paret-Peintre previously supported Evenepoel in the mountains but now has more freedom from 2026 onward.

Paret-Peintre believes Evenepoel’s departure could energize the team by creating space for riders to grow and redefine themselves in 2026.

The team is entering a new era focused on cobbled classics, boosted by the emergence of Paul Magnier, and signings like Alberto Dainese and Tim Merlier to challenge sprint-focused rivals.

Van Wilder regards Evenepoel’s exit as painful but sees it as a personal growth opportunity, potentially paving the way for new career highlights beyond his current comfort zone.

Past seasons were hampered by injuries and lineup changes, including Paret-Peintre missing the Giro and Landa abandoning on the first day, plus a Vuelta crash for Paret-Peintre.

This season highlighted Paret-Peintre’s potential with a queen stage win at the Tour of Oman ahead of Adam Yates and a strong Tour de Mont Ventoux showing, while serving as a domestique at the Dauphinès.

The post-Evenepoel era is framed as a test and opportunity for reinventing leadership and strategy ahead of 2026, with riders openly outlining their ambitions and adjustments.

Evenepoel’s departure is set to reshape the team’s leadership dynamics, opening the door for riders like Paret-Peintre, Ilan van Wilder, and Mikel Landa to take on more responsibility.

Internal discussions within Soudal Quick-Step point to a possible reshuffle and expanded roles for remaining riders as the post-Evenepoel era begins.

Valentin Paret-Peintre expects teammates such as Van Wilder, Landa, and himself to take on greater leadership duties, signaling a shift in the squad’s hierarchy.

Paret-Peintre aims to target better general classification results in one-week races and to race more in Grand Tours, while acknowledging uncertainties about the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia in the near term.